Rodney Harrison Predicts Chiefs Rookie Eric Berry Will Be Better Than Him
by Joel Thorman on Jul 16, 2010 8:09 AM CDT
in 2010 Kansas City Chiefs Season
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PrintI passed along yesterday a few words from former Patriots safety Rodney Harrison on Chiefs rookie safety Eric Berry. Basically, Harrison really, really likes loves Berry. As a former colleague of Scott Pioli, Harrison says he's talked to the Chiefs GM and may come out to St. Joe to work with Berry a little bit.
This is a good thing. I know Harrison was voted the "NFL's Dirtiest Player" by Sports Illustrated on a number of occasions but there's no doubting the guy was very gifted on the field.
His viewpoint is relevant and unique because he was one of Pioli's favorite players in New England, played for Romeo Crennel and played the same position Berry will play with the Chiefs. In some ways, I imagine the Chiefs want Berry to be the next Harrison (without the "NFL's Dirtiest Player" label).
Well, Harrison thinks Berry will be better than him.
In an interview with Soren Petro on 810 WHB, Harrison had a boatload of praise for the Chiefs rookie.
- Best player in the draft (better than Suh)
- Embodies the perfect safety
- Thinks he'll pass his 30.5 career sacks
Harrison's words in full are after the jump. It's worth reading the whole thing.
"Let me say this. Everyone always talked about me being a hitter and I look at the kid, Eric Berry, and I love this kid. I thought he was the best defensive player in college football. I thought he should have went number one. I know Suh is big and all this but I love Eric Berry. People say, 'Maybe you're a little biased.' No, this kid is phenomenal.
"I'm so excited about this kid because I think he embodies everything about a safety. He's strong, fast, athletic and will knock your teeth out. I love this kid. This is a kid that can be a tremendous football player for 12-15 years.
"I talked to Scott Pioli about possibly coming up to the Chiefs camp and possibly spending some time with this kid. I want to spend some time with this kid some of the keys and secrets of not only being in the league for a long time-- because anyone can be in the league with that type of talent a long time but the key is really making an impact. How can you make others better? It's not just about you, Eric Berry, because you're a tremendous player but how can you, as a young player, make other people better? That's where he's really going to make his mark.
"The great thing with Eric Berry is they're going to use him kind of like they used me. He's younger, faster and more athletic than what I was in '03 but I was in my prime back then. They're going to blitz him, he's going to cover tight ends, he's going to play center field, he's going to play half the field, he's going to play three-deep and come in the box. That's the versatility you get with a guy like that. He's going to play cornerback and in the slot sometimes covering receivers.
"That's the versatility you get with a guy like Eric Berry and not just having a guy like Suh that's going to clog up the middle. I like a guy like Eric Berry because he can do so many different things. He's versatile. That's why I'm excited about him.
"Romeo Crennel is going to blitz this guy and I wouldn't be surprised if he passed my 30.5 sacks in his career."
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i hope he goes 12 to 15
I just broke an all time rule and bought a current players jersey I usually wait on buying jerseys but I bought my berry jersey. So here’s to this guy goes to the hall a chief.
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on Jul 16, 2010 8:26 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
He said 12-15 years
But he never said 12-15 “as a Chief”.
Let’s hope he is all that he should be, but let’s also hope we can afford to keep him. He’s all about playing ball and wants his contract done fast so he can get into camp so far. How many players come out of the draft and say “Man, I really want to just get the biggest contract I can. And then when it’s time for my second, I want to hold out and go to the highest bidder?”
None do say that. But it’s the reality of it when it comes down to getting your head knocked off a few hundred times. All of the sudden, that $40mil is chump change and they want more.
I hope he’s not that way.
Rock Chalk Jayhawk!
Go Chiefs!
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Jul 16, 2010 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions
I was on the verge of breaking that rule too but my wife shut me down...
If it weren’t for the wife, I’d already own my own Berry jersey.
by harleyman1200 on Jul 16, 2010 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
I was distracted by his over use of the word kid,
but I think its great Harrison has such high praise for the kid. Eric Berry, who by Harrisons own admission, was better than he was when RH was a kid.
Don't blame me, I voted for content of character.
Allot of hype being thrown Berry's way
Can’t wait to see it in action
by 8k1c6 on Jul 16, 2010 8:22 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Too much "hype" if you ask me...
Let’s not put Berry in the HOF just yet. And I hate to see any extra pressure that high expectations can put on a young man. I hope he handles it well.
That said…I do think he has the potential to be a great player. I’m looking forward to seeing him play and develop over the next few years.
10 + wins in 2010. Chiefs SHOCK the NFL!!! Mark it down.
There was a lot of hype around DT too.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 16, 2010 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions
And Ryan Sims.
10 + wins in 2010. Chiefs SHOCK the NFL!!! Mark it down.
Yeah
Lets not do what their doing in Denver, not only will Tebow be a elite QB but he practices elite, now thats some toxic kool-aid there.
by CPT.Caveman on Jul 16, 2010 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Eric Berry
Double digit sacks in 2010 ! Chiefs improve pass rush with the addition of the 5th dimenion !Thanks ;Rodney Harrison !
by 65tosspowertrap on Jul 16, 2010 8:24 AM CDT reply actions
I think he'll be in coverage a lot more than rushing.
Rock Chalk Jayhawk!
Go Chiefs!
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Jul 16, 2010 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions
I bet Crennel surprises everyone
Carr and Flowers are emerging as good man coverage corners, and Arenas was great at coverage in college. We may be able to blitz Berry more than we think (I also think we’ll see Arenas blitz a lot).
Ryan Succop will be the kicker for the AFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl
by PVChiefsfan on Jul 16, 2010 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions
has a safety even gotten 10 sacks in a season?
I mean, that’s a good season for a LB or DE…who are coming at the QB on every passing down. Also, I’m pretty sure Berry only had a handful of sacks in his entire college career.
Predictions:
This year will be better
I love it
I watched the Vol-Gator game just to watch Berry play. If you get a chance to watch Berry’s highlights from that game, there are a couple of plays that made that game worth watching. Eric’s pick of Tebow, one of the most beautiful picks you will ever see. In the NFL, he could have got back up and ran it for 6. And his tackle of Tebow. Remembering that Timmy is fullback built only makes it a greater play.
Kind of...
There aren’t a lot of 6’3" 245lb running backs in the league…
When I watched that game, I didn’t know Eric Berry was in the talk for the top player in the draft (not enough time to watch college ball much), but I was super impressed. Then that full-speed shouldering up of Tebow blew my mind. This guy has huge balls on the field, no doubt.
But,
Did you see McCluster tear the Vols defense a new hole? I’m more excited about The Dex.
Rock Chalk Jayhawk!
Go Chiefs!
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Jul 16, 2010 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions
but the thing is...
we got both of them !!! hehe!
I LOVE MY CHIEFS
by kcchiefsfan515 on Jul 16, 2010 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Can't wait to see him on the field
With Eric Berry covering TE’s we can hopefully stop Antonio Gates on MNF because, so far, it looks like he will be the only major threat with Vincent Jackson missing the game.
Tough assignment
First NFL game. MNF at home. One of the best TE’s in the business. What a way to start a career.
10 + wins in 2010. Chiefs SHOCK the NFL!!! Mark it down.
Headlines...
Gates suffers major concussion after 2nd catch of Chiefs game.
Go Chiefs!!!!
2nd that!
Rock Chalk Jayhawk!
Go Chiefs!
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Jul 16, 2010 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions
... Because Rodney Harrison told him to aim for the head.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 16, 2010 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Two plays later ...
Rivers is out for the season with a torn ACL. Because Harrison (and Pollard) told him that you gotta aim for the knees.
-100
I just can’t root for injuries.
Besides, we’ll beat them even if they have all their stars in.
...And as the roar of 80,000 red-clad great plains warriors fills the hallowed halls of Arrowhead, it will strike fear into the hearts of lesser men. For on that field, individual men toil for something greater than individual honors. They toil as brothers-in-arms, as 53 spirits striving towards a single purpose and driven by a single goal: The glory that comes with vanquishing your foes. They will achieve their birthright, they will be champions.
I'd love to see at least one of the Chiefs' defensive players dubbed "NFL's Dirtiest Player"
It would be a sign that there’s some true mean and nastiness on the D for a change…a sign of a great D.
2010 Prediction: Chiefs go 10-6 and make playoffs
Twitter: @GiftNate
Nate Gift
by giftedchiefsfan on Jul 16, 2010 8:43 AM CDT reply actions
Our Secondary used to be called that from time to time.
a la the Carter/Hasty years. Those guys were tough.
Don't leave out the Cherry
Rock Chalk Jayhawk!
Go Chiefs!
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Jul 16, 2010 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Different years though I believe.
Deron was sadly before my time due to my age. Great guy who I’ve gotten to meet a couple times though.
Sooner or later the Chiefs are going to start
producing star players again. Jared Allen and Tony Gonzalez are gone, but it is just a matter of time before Chiefs players become stars again. Will Berry be the first? Perhaps. The more fertile the ground is for producing star players, the more there will be. This season is going to be the first of many when all the factors are in place for stars to be born from the Chiefs roster.
"The Hammer"
Dammit Joel!
Here I was, perfectly grounded in real life on a fine Friday morning and going into the weekend.
And now I’m drowning in kool-aid. And it’s delicious. I can only see in shades of Berr-red now, and probably will for the next few days.
It’s all your fault.
((Wow I can’t wait to see this guy on the field!))
Chiefs - back in the playoffs in 2011.
Berry-red? Buried?
Are you saying the Chargers are going to get ‘Berry-red’ on MNF?
The 5th Dimension
#29 Eric Berry
by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 16, 2010 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Good man haha
The 5th Dimension
#29 Eric Berry
by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 17, 2010 8:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Is stuff like this fairly common throughout the NFL
Retired players from other teams coming into camp to help teach younger players?
I’m just curious if this is what it is like on (what will be) good team or just par for the course.
Check out my blog on software development:
http://www.turnleafdesign.com/
by Scaryclouds on Jul 16, 2010 8:52 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
I think it's somewhat common
Lots of GMs, coaches, etc develop good relationships with players throughout their career.
by Joel Thorman on Jul 16, 2010 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Personally, I think the buzz is making
the rounds amongst NFL insiders (players, former players, coaches, etc.) that something is definitely “up” in K.C. I love it! The sports talking heads don’t now it yet, but we here at AP do. Word is getting around. That is why R.H. is coming by to share some tips with Berry.
"The Hammer"
Good Question!
I was wondering about this also…
I don’t remember, in past years, hearing about retired pros like Warner, Harrison & Gannon dropping by OTAs and Training Camp to work with players. I sure don’t remember hearing about his from Herm’s group. Could just be that I’m getting old though…
Could also be that Pioli brings some of this guys here, due to his close relationships with past players? Sure don’t remember great players like this coming to OTAs and Camp when Carl was the guy…
It's because the Chiefs are a likable team.
I think people want them to succeed… unless you live in the Bay Area or are connected to Denver.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 16, 2010 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions
The next star
Lets give Berry a chance to play his game and not make him try to be like someone else. Its like the Royals, they get a new player with lots of promise, then everyone starts saying the next George Brett! Berry doesn’t need the added pressure to be a rookie allstar, just play his game and his talent will show.
by Digital on Jul 16, 2010 9:17 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Might find him if we'd stop treating the team like a farm team for the rest of the league.
by Archyrr on Jul 16, 2010 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
+1
AMEN. great way to put it, Archyrr.
by bamachief5558 on Jul 16, 2010 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Not sure
The best player to come up through the Royals system in the last 20 years is probably Carlos Beltran, and he’s not exactly a superstar.
Man, the Royals really did die along with Ewing Kauffman.
Predictions:
This year will be better
Damon seemed to do alright for the Red Sox/Yankees.
I’ll be honest, I really haven’t paid much attention to the Royal’s for years. I just got sick of happening to see another team playing on TV and them having a guy I used to watch play in KC as one of their best players.
Sacks...
Many people have mentioned their concerns about the lack of sacks in the past 2 seasons. Ill admitt, it has been atrocious but, I think we will be in the middle of the pack in 2010. Hali, DJ, Vrabel, Gilberry, Dorsey (playing inside in nickel), Arenas, and Berry will get to the QB under Crennels scheme.
by Larryemcdaniel on Jul 16, 2010 9:57 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
It's funny...
Think of a lot of the super bowl winners from previous years. What is one key superstar position most of them had? Safety. Ronnie Lott. Steve Atwater. Ed Reed. Troy Polamalu. Rodney Harrison.
I’m not saying SB victories are dependent on future HoF safeties… but the proof is pretty evident that if you have a stud, bone crushing, play making safety, your chances on getting that ring increases.
I believe Eric Berry is the next safety to be added to that list. I’ve only gotten excited and repeatedly backed and bragged about one other player the Chiefs have drafted in the last ten years… Brandon Flowers. And I never expected him to be a highlight reel. I expected a shutdown corner. I don’t pretend to be some football guru that can analyze a player to the core, but I know when I see something special; I know what I’m looking at. Eric Berry is the real deal guys. Drink all the Kool-Aid you want on this, you’re not going to be disappointed with him.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 16, 2010 10:22 AM CDT reply actions
translation ...
yeah this kid is the best coming out of college and I say that only because it’s easy to see he’s gonna be better than me, so if I give him props now it makes me look that much better, and I can’t compare myself to Suh, who’s a monster, cuz Suh is 5 times stronger and better than I could ever have hoped to be, and of course the only reason I could stay on the field anyway was playing dirty, but I can’t OFFICIALLY tell stuff like that to The Kid, but you know I’m gonna tell The Kid every dirty trick in the book, off the record, of course, and someday he’s gonna be SO slick and SO smooth he’ll pull ‘em all off SO perfectly that HE’LL be The Dirtiest Player and I can get this damned Kong gorilla off my back once and for all
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
Whitlock Rocks!
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!
by upamtn on Jul 16, 2010 10:29 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
and another thing, as Andy Rooney might say ...
… how is it that the team with the “high character” standards is getting “the dirtiest player” in the En Eff Ell to advise our NKOTB … not so much how, but WHY? Deron Cherry I could see, Albert Lewis, maybe … Rodney Harrison???
yup, now THERE’S a role model!
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
Whitlock Rocks!
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!
Entertaining posts, upamtn...
But,
If Joe Montana comes to visit Matt Cassel…does that mean Cassel will suddenly start playing like Montana did? Of course not. However, Cassel might pick up a tidbit or two of useful information and advice that he could use.
10 + wins in 2010. Chiefs SHOCK the NFL!!! Mark it down.
Like I said last night, it's easy to call someone a dirty player when they're not on your team.
Perfect example: Bernard Pollard. Every single Pats fan on the planet wanted Pollard’s head for hitting Brady’s knee. Every Chiefs fan said it was an accident, he was just playing to the whistle, yada, yada, yada. I think we all know how Pioli felt about Pollard. You’d be hard pressed to find a fan that didn’t want Harrison playing for their team in his prime.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 16, 2010 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions
hey, that Pollard/Brady thing WAS an accident ... he got slammed by someone and rolled onto Brady ...
… from any and every angle I watched it was totally unintentional … and that’s the only time I recall Pollard being involved in anything other than straight-up football
so, is it too late to get Pollard back? from everything I’ve seen and read, they love the guy down there …
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
Whitlock Rocks!
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!
So let me get this straight...
Bec ause of the label put on Harrison some of you are actually thinking that "dirtiest player will rub off on Berry whose credentials are beyond reproach…UH HUH….May I suggest you all rethink your position. All Harrison would do is give Berry an insight on what to expect and hopefully make him a better player.
hence my hatred for people who leave their team behind(cough)...I want berry to be a chief as long as he can produce....we need another all time chief.
according to harrison we found him
Team Pioli/Haley. Decade of the Chiefs.
berry
i cant wait to see berry in action from what ive seen from his time at tenn….this guy is gonna be beast
camp starts soon ..
we need to get the guy signed !!! why arent all of our players signed yet? im getting worried
Still two weeks to go
Most NFL picks haven’t signed to this point…nothing to worry about. Pretty sure not a single first rounder has been signed.
Predictions:
This year will be better
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