Eric Berry's Heisman Campaign

 

 

This was one of the websites that was created for Eric Berry's long shot 2009 Heisman bid. We have added additional information to bring the Eric Berry story up to the present.

Some sports fans feel that there's really only one candidate outside of the usual circle of skill players from the mythical championship contenders (you know who I mean: the usual and soul crushingly obvious clean-cut quarterback club) and that's Berry.

In addition of showing up all over the field for one of the best defenses in the country, Eric Berry led the nation’s college teams with seven picks, two returned for touchdowns, and already has the SEC's career record for interception return yardage in two years.

********

Eric Berry’s College Career

Berry received an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Tennessee. He played for the Tennessee Volunteers football team from 2007 to 2009. Berry's relatives would travel to Tennesse to see him play. One cousin who lived in Baltimore worked for a company, Von Paris Moving & Storage that moved many professional sports teams. It is considered to be one the best Baltimore City movers. In fact they were named the official Mover of the Baltimore Orioles and the Baltimore Ravens. When Berry was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs, his cousin admitted that he felt conflicted when the Kansas City Chiefs played the Baltimore Ravens, his home team now that his cousin Eric was back playing defense for the Kansas City Chiefs. His mama declared that family was more important, and he just better support his cousin. End of discussion!

In 2007 after a strong showing in his first collegiate game against California as a freshman, Berry replaced fifth year senior Jarod Parrish.  His first season saw Berry turning in several big plays during the season. The Sporting News named Berry the SEC Defensive Freshman of the Year. Looking at just some of his stats you can see why.

  • 222 return yards on five interceptions breaking the 37-year-old Tennessee record by 43 yards
  • Led all SEC freshmen in tackles with 86.
  • Named SEC Freshman of the Week for his play over the regular season's final three games.
  • After the season, he was also named 1st team Freshman All-American by Rivals.

Berry was named a team captain heading into the 2008 season. His stats for his sophomore season were even more impressive:

  • Tied for the national lead in interceptions with 7, returning them for 265 yards and 2 touchdowns, This broke the record he set his freshman yea..
  • Combined with the yards he accumulated as a freshman, Berry set the all-time career SEC record for interception return yards with 487 yards
  • Finished the regular season with 72 tackles, 6 pass break-ups and 3 sacks.
  • Took snaps on offense at quarterback and wide receiver  gaining44 rushing yards on 7 carries.
  • Gained 32 yards on 2 kick-off returns.

He was nominated as a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, the Lott Trophy, as well as the Chuck Bednarik Award.

In addition Berry was named:

  • SEC Defensive Player of the year
  • Was a first-team All-SEC pick
  • Was an unanimous first-team All American

 The Touchdown Club of Columbus also named him their winner of the 2008 Jack Tatum Award

No wonder the Tennessee Vols football coach and sports department decided to build an Eric Berry's Heisman campaign. They all felt he was a worthy candidate.

 

********

College Awards and Honors

********


  • 2009 Unanimous All-American
  • 2000s ESPN All-Decade High School Football Team
  • 2000s RivalsHigh.com Team Of The Decade First Team
  • 2000s Sports Illustrated All-Decade Team
  • 2009 Jim Thorpe Award
  • 2009 Bronko Nagurski Award Finalist
  • 2009 Lott Award Finalist
  • 2009 Jack Tatum Award Winner
  • 2009 First-team All-SEC (Coaches, AP)
  • 2008 Unanimous All-American
  • 2008 National Defensive Sophomore of the Year (Collegefootballnews.com)
  • 2008 SEC Defensive Player of the Year
  • 2008 Jack Tatum Award Winner
  • 2008 First-team All-SEC (Coaches, AP)
  • 2008 Vince Dooley Award     2008 Jim Thorpe Award Finalist
  • Unanimous 2007 First-team Freshman All-American
  • 2007 National Defensive Freshman of the Year (Collegefootballnews.com)
  • 2007 SEC Freshman Defensive Player of the Year (Sporting News)
  • 2007 Second-team All-SEC (Coaches, AP)
  • 2007 All-SEC Freshmen Team
  • 2007 All-SEC Freshmen Academic Honor Roll
  • 2006 Georgia High School Player of the Year (Gatorade)

NOTE:

Eric Berry didn’t make the cut as a Heisman finalist. Such disappointment considering he was he was a two-time unanimous All-American and recognized as the best collegiate defensive back in the country.

For those who ask why dedicate a website to a failed effort, we can only say Batman. That's right, dude, Batman. This site is a testament to the truth as many see it, and a failure at this level is not really a failure. History is often unkind, but men are measured by what they've done, not what trophies they may have garnered in the process. Eric knows that Batman stands by him, and those of us on the editorial staff know this as well. Giving up was never an option for the Dark Knight, and Eric has signed on to that karma all his life. So all you fans of Eric Berry, put on that Batman t shirt and stand tall in honor of a great player whose gambits we all enjoyed. Did not get the Heisman, but he def got the Batman.

Among the top players who also didn't make the cut were Clemson's versatile tailback C.J. Spiller along with Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore.

The Heisman Finalists 2009 were Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy, Mark Ingram, Toby Gerhart, Ndamukong Suh. Mark Ingram was the Heisman winner.

 

********


Eric Berry’s Professional Career

Following Tennessee's 37–14 loss to Virginia Tech in the 2009 Chick-fil-A Bowl, Eric Berry decided at the end of his 2009 season to forgo his final year at college and enter the NFL draft.

Berry was regarded as the highest scouted safety since Sean Taylor a member of the University of Miami Hurricanes' 2001 BCS National Championship team. The Kansas City Chiefs, a professional American football team in Kansas City, Missouri and a member of the West Division of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL), chose Berry. He was the fifth overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft, making him the highest drafted defensive back since Taylor.

In his first season with the Kansas City Chiefs, Berry started all 16 games, becoming the first Chiefs rookie to be selected to the Pro Bowl. Berry has been named to three Pro Bowls, in 2010, 2012 and 2013 since that auspicious start.

In December of 2014, Eric Berry was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. After undergoing an intense chemotherapy treatment, on July 28, 2015, the Kansas City Chiefs announced that Berry had been cleared to resume football activities. He was declared clear of cancer nearly nine months after his initial diagnosis.

 

 

More Background On Berry4Heisman.com

 

Introduction

Berry4Heisman.com was launched as a passionate campaign site in support of University of Tennessee star Eric Berry and his 2009 Heisman Trophy bid. While the Heisman has traditionally honored quarterbacks and running backs—offensive juggernauts in the collegiate football spotlight—Berry4Heisman.com made a compelling case for a rare candidate: a defensive back with electrifying game-changing talent. The site became both a rallying point for fans and a heartfelt tribute to a player whose collegiate and professional accomplishments were extraordinary, despite not clinching the coveted Heisman.

In the years since the site first emerged, it has evolved from a campaign hub into an enduring online monument to Eric Berry’s legacy—chronicling not only his stunning college feats but also his NFL journey, his remarkable return from cancer, and the culture of underdog admiration that propelled him into football lore.

Origins and Ownership

Berry4Heisman.com was not a product of a large sports media conglomerate, but rather a fan-driven endeavor—presumably backed or at least endorsed by the University of Tennessee’s sports department. It reflected the deep admiration of Volunteer fans who believed Berry deserved recognition beyond standard defensive honors.

The site’s tone blends statistical rigor with impassioned storytelling, signaling that it was likely developed by devoted Tennessee insiders—possibly alumni or athletic staff—who understood the power of grassroots digital advocacy. While the exact webmaster or organization behind the domain remains unnamed, the content and style strongly imply a close connection to the Tennessee football community.

Location and Cultural Context

Though Berry4Heisman.com is hosted online, its cultural roots are deeply embedded in Knoxville, Tennessee, the home of the University of Tennessee Volunteers. Knoxville is a city where college football isn’t just a pastime—it’s a generational rite. In this context, Berry’s performance on the field was not just impressive—it was emblematic of Volunteer pride, grit, and resilience.

Located in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of college football’s most competitive and high-profile leagues, the University of Tennessee has long celebrated standout players. But defensive backs seldom gain national attention at the Heisman level, which made this campaign a symbolic stand against traditional voting norms that favor offensive stat lines over defensive impact.

Website Goals and Design

Berry4Heisman.com had one clear mission: to elevate Eric Berry’s Heisman candidacy by showcasing his defensive dominance, leadership, versatility, and inspirational journey. The site achieved this through:

  • Detailed Career Stats

  • Narrative Biographies

  • Awards Lists

  • Family Anecdotes

  • Commentary on Heisman Politics

  • Symbolic Tributes (e.g., “Batman” references)

The site’s tone is a mix of fan fervor and editorial clarity. It does not shy away from lamenting the biases inherent in Heisman voting, yet it ultimately uplifts Berry’s contributions by celebrating them as enduring—whether or not they led to a trophy.

Eric Berry's Collegiate Brilliance

Berry played for the University of Tennessee from 2007 to 2009, earning a full athletic scholarship. He burst onto the scene in his freshman year, replacing a fifth-year senior and quickly redefining the expectations of what a defensive back could achieve.

Freshman Year Highlights (2007):

  • 222 return yards on five interceptions, breaking a 37-year-old Tennessee record

  • 86 total tackles, leading all SEC freshmen

  • Named SEC Defensive Freshman of the Year (Sporting News)

  • Selected as 1st team Freshman All-American by Rivals.com

Sophomore Year Explosion (2008):

  • Tied for national lead in interceptions (7), returned for 265 yards and 2 touchdowns

  • Set the all-time SEC record for interception return yards: 487

  • Added 72 tackles, 3 sacks, and pass breakups

  • Took offensive snaps at QB and WR, gaining additional yardage

Junior Year and Beyond:

Berry’s junior season sealed his legacy. Though he didn’t post record-breaking numbers like the year before, his presence, leadership, and consistency made him a unanimous All-American selection for the second year in a row.

Heisman Campaign and Symbolism

Despite the awe-inspiring statistics and unanimous All-American status, Berry was not named a Heisman finalist. The finalists for the 2009 award included:

  • Tim Tebow

  • Colt McCoy

  • Mark Ingram (winner)

  • Toby Gerhart

  • Ndamukong Suh

Eric Berry’s omission from this list highlighted a broader institutional neglect of defensive players, particularly safeties. Suh, a defensive tackle, made the finalist cut—marking a rare inclusion—but Berry’s absence was seen as a glaring snub.

The site cheekily references “Batman” as a recurring theme, describing Berry as the Dark Knight of the gridiron—an unsung hero who, like Bruce Wayne, worked in the shadows and rose in moments of crisis. “Eric knows that Batman stands by him,” the site states, using superhero allegory to drive home Berry’s impact and moral code.

College Honors and Awards

Eric Berry’s trophy cabinet included virtually every defensive award a college player could win—except the Heisman:

  • 2009 Jim Thorpe Award

  • 2008 & 2009 Jack Tatum Award

  • 2008 SEC Defensive Player of the Year

  • Unanimous All-American (2008, 2009)

  • First-Team All-SEC (2007–2009)

  • Vince Dooley Award

  • National Defensive Freshman of the Year (2007)

He was also included in Sports Illustrated’s All-Decade Team, ESPN’s All-Decade High School Team, and multiple other national rosters.

Personal Background and Family Ties

The site adds a layer of humanity through anecdotes, such as those involving Berry’s cousin, who worked for the official movers for the Ravens and Orioles. This cousin faced a personal dilemma when the Ravens played the Kansas City Chiefs, where Berry eventually played in the NFL. It was his mother who resolved the tension with a dose of Southern common sense: “Family comes first.”

Professional Career and Triumph Over Cancer

Following the 2009 Chick-fil-A Bowl, Berry declared for the NFL draft. The Kansas City Chiefs selected him as the fifth overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, making him the highest-drafted defensive back since Sean Taylor.

NFL Highlights:

  • Started all 16 games as a rookie

  • Named to the Pro Bowl (2010, 2012, 2013)

  • Earned a reputation for hard-hitting tackles, ball-hawking, and inspirational leadership

In 2014, Berry was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a life-threatening illness. He took a season off to undergo aggressive chemotherapy, and remarkably, was declared cancer-free and returned to active NFL duty in 2015.

This comeback narrative added profound weight to his legacy—Eric Berry became not just a football hero, but a symbol of resilience.

Fan Reception and Social Impact

Although Berry didn’t win the Heisman, Berry4Heisman.com served a higher purpose: galvanizing a community around an ideal of perseverance, humility, and excellence. The campaign attracted attention from college football forums, local Tennessee media, and message boards across the SEC.

It also served to spark larger conversations about defensive player representation in national awards, and how media narratives often overlook elite talent when it doesn’t fit traditional molds.

The site’s tone invites a mix of celebration and resistance: a call for more nuanced evaluations in college sports, where impact matters more than position.

Reviews and Media Mentions

Though never achieving national media dominance, Berry4Heisman.com was referenced in:

  • Local Tennessee sports columns

  • SEC football fan sites

  • Online forums like Rivals, 247Sports, and VolNation

  • NFL.com stories during Berry’s draft and comeback

It became part of the digital ephemera surrounding Heisman snubs, often cited in retrospectives on players who should’ve received more attention from voters.

Audience and Legacy

Berry4Heisman.com catered primarily to:

  • Tennessee Volunteers fans

  • SEC college football aficionados

  • Defensive football purists

  • Advocates for underdog athletes

  • Cancer survivors and their families

  • Batman fans (surprisingly!)

Today, the site stands as a timeless online scrapbook that captured a movement and elevated a deserving player. The fact that Berry was not a finalist is beside the point. The message is clear: greatness doesn’t require validation from trophies.

Why Berry Still Wins

Eric Berry’s story—chronicled and immortalized by Berry4Heisman.com—is one of determination, unmatched talent, and unwavering courage. From shattering SEC records to battling cancer and returning to professional play, Berry embodies the very spirit that the Heisman claims to honor.

Even without the statue, his influence continues—through fans, through this website, and through every player who looks to the defensive side of the ball for inspiration.

In the words of the site’s editors: “Did not get the Heisman, but he def got the Batman.”

 

Berry4Heisman.com