Tennessee Icon Eric Berry Enshrined in College Football Hall of Fame Berry is now the 26th former Tennessee Volunteer to earn a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame.
In a momentous celebration of collegiate football excellence, Eric Berry, the legendary Tennessee Volunteers defensive back, was officially enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame during the 65th National Football Foundation Annual Awards Dinner on December 5, 2023, at the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Berry’s induction marks a significant milestone, not only in his illustrious career but also in the history of Tennessee football. He becomes the 26th former Volunteer to receive this prestigious honor, solidifying his legacy among the all-time greats of the sport.(University of Tennessee Athletics
Hailing from Fairburn, Georgia, Berry’s journey to football stardom began at Creekside High School, where he earned All-America honors. He continued to shine at the University of Tennessee from 2007 to 2009, where he quickly established himself as a dominant force in the secondary. Over his three-year tenure, Berry amassed 245 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, 14 interceptions, 31 passes defended, two forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries. His remarkable ability to read the game and make game-changing plays earned him unanimous first-team All-America honors in both 2008 and 2009, making him the only player in Tennessee history to achieve this feat twice. (University of Tennessee Athletics, University of Tennessee Athletics)
In 2009, Berry became the first player in school history to claim the Jim Thorpe Award, recognizing him as the nation’s top defensive back. He was also a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and twice received the Jack Tatum Award from the Touchdown Club of Columbus. His leadership on the field was instrumental in Tennessee’s success, including a 21-17 victory over Wisconsin in the 2008 Outback Bowl, which concluded with a final No. 12 national ranking. (University of Tennessee Athletics, cfbhall.com, National Football Foundation)
Berry’s impact extended beyond individual accolades. He was a three-time All-SEC selection, earning first-team honors in 2008 and 2009. In 2008, he was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year after leading the conference with seven interceptions. His tenure at Tennessee established him as the SEC’s all-time leader in career interception return yards (494) and single-season interception return yards (265 in 2008). He also holds the Vols record for career yards per interception (35.3). (University of Tennessee Athletics, cfbhall.com)
As a two-year team captain, Berry twice led the Vols in interceptions, collecting five in 2007 and seven in 2008. His leadership and performance set a standard for excellence at Tennessee, inspiring future generations of players. Berry’s induction into the College Football Hall of Fame is a testament to his exceptional talent, dedication, and the indelible mark he left on the sport.(cfbhall.com
After declaring for the NFL Draft, Berry was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs as the fifth overall pick in 2010, becoming the highest-drafted defensive player in Tennessee history since Reggie White in 1984. During his NFL career, Berry made five Pro Bowl appearances and earned first-team All-Pro honors three times. In 2014, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a challenge he overcame to win the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award in 2015. Berry retired from professional football in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and excellence.(University of Tennessee Athletics, University of Tennessee Athletics, National Football Foundation)
Off the field, Berry has remained active in the community. He established the Eric Berry Foundation in 2011, providing safe environments for children to participate in sports. He also hosts annual youth football clinics in Atlanta, Kansas City, and throughout Tennessee. Berry has donated more than $100,000 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and has contributed to the improvement of Duncan Park in Fairburn, Georgia, where he first learned to play football. (National Football Foundation, University of Tennessee Athletics)
Berry’s induction into the College Football Hall of Fame is not only a personal achievement but also a family milestone. He follows in the footsteps of his father, James, who was a standout player at Tennessee State University. Berry’s younger brothers, Evan and Elliott, have continued the family’s football legacy, with Evan playing at the University of Alabama and Elliott at the University of Georgia. Berry expressed pride in representing his family and his hometown, stating, “Just to follow in my father’s footsteps and then have my younger brothers come in and carry on the tradition and the legacy is special.” (University of Tennessee Athletics)
Berry’s enshrinement into the College Football Hall of Fame was celebrated with a special ceremony at Neyland Stadium on October 14, 2023, during the Tennessee vs. Texas A&M game. The event was attended by fans, former teammates, and members of the Tennessee athletic department, all honoring Berry’s remarkable contributions to the program. His induction was a fitting tribute to a player who exemplified excellence both on and off the field.(Tennessee Rivals)
Eric Berry’s induction into the College Football Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional career and lasting impact on the sport. As the 26th former Tennessee Volunteer to receive this honor, Berry joins an esteemed group of players who have shaped the history of college football. His legacy serves as an inspiration to future generations, reminding us all of the power of perseverance, leadership, and dedication to excellence.
