Eric Berry could have probably got more money as a free agent. But his decision to re-sign with the Kansas City Chiefs without ever testing the waters was a rather simple one.

I just love being here, Berry said Tuesday with his parents James and Carol at his side during a news conference at Arrowhead Stadium. And I think the fact that I was able to come back, and what I came back from. A lot of people try to put a lot of emphasis on me, but you dont do that without great support and good people supporting you and pushing you in the right direction and Im truly thankful for that.

Last week Berry, who just finished up his seventh season with the club, signed a six-year deal for $78 million, making him the highest paid safety in the NFL. Berry contemplated possibly leaving, but not for long.

Somebody could have offered me more money somewhere else, and they probably could have offered me less money here, Berry said. But it probably wouldnt have balanced out. I still probably would have came (back) here.

One factor in Berrys return was the chemistry he has with his teammates and coaches.

Chemistry is chemistry, Berry said. I know what Im going to get here. When I walk into the meeting room Ill hear what I need to work on, and the coaches are going to be the same every day and that goes a long ways, and then I can just focus on my craft and my teammates. Thats the best part of it.

Another factor was his familiarity with the organization that drafted him fifth overall in the 2010 draft.

I know what Im going to get every time I walk into the building, Berry said. Im comfortable here and I have a good feel for it. I didnt want to rebuild all of that even though I felt like I could have. At the same time, why do it when I have everything you need right here? Why do that when you have people here that genuinely care about you as a person?

I know everybody in the building from the cafeteria. I know what desserts are going to be in the building, I know were going to have wings every Thursday. And if theres something that we dont like in the cafeteria, we can talk about it and get it done. Thats just a part of it. I hear other things around the league and its not always like that.

For Berrys parents, seeing their son remain a Chief was something they were hoping for.

I cant even put it into words how proud I am and thankful that it happened with a team and an organization and city like Kansas City, Carol said.

Now Berry, who was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma in 2014 before becoming the NFLs comeback player of the year in 2015, will be with the team for the foreseeable future.

From the beginning he always talked about being in one place for your whole career, James said of his son. I can see that hes happy and satisfied and Im good with it.

Berry, however, isnt completely content with his career yet. A five-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro, Berry still has plenty he wants to accomplish, starting with himself and taking the next step in the playoffs.

I want to be the best player I can be before I retire, Berry said. Thats my goal. Im going to continue to push myself not just to be the best I can be, but I want to push my teammates to be the best they can be as well because I know they have greatness in them. I think we have a great team.

I think the part that I want to get better at is getting everybody on the same page and just understand that we do have a chance and we need to take advantage of the opportunities that we have because you only get so many opportunities like that.

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Chiefs' Eric Berry says chemistry big factor in return to KC - Topeka Capital Journal