Deron Cherry is one of the most accomplished players in NFL history. His journey to Canton begins with a story about overcoming adversity and perseverance, which he credits for his success.
Deron Cherry was an undrafted free agent from the University of Miami. He began as a punter, but quickly became an All-Pro safety in the NFL. In 2009, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Deron Cherry owes his extended stay with the Kansas City Chiefs to former coach Marv Levy and the United States Football League. Cherry, a six-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Fame safety with the Kansas City Chiefs, is one of the finest safeties in NFL history. Cherry, a 5-foot-11 defensive back/punter who entered the league undrafted out of Rutgers, raised a lot of eyebrows. The most pressing issue now is why isn’t Cherry inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
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Deron Cherry began his NFL career as a punter.
On November 20, 1988, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, Kansas City Chiefs safety Deron Cherry (20) wraps up Seattle Seahawks fullback John L. Williams during the Chiefs’ 27-24 win over the Seahawks. Getty Images/Damian Strohmeyer .
Cherry played in the NFL for 11 years, all with the Kansas City Chiefs. He has 50 interceptions and 14 fumble recoveries throughout his successful career. It would not have occurred if Cherry had not called Levy during his first season.
Cherry told Sportscasting, “I was signed as a punter.” “I needed to contact Marv Levy and ask if I could work out as a safety.” He agreed and added, “Let me do it.”
Cherry made an impression on the Chiefs as a defensive back, but he was released before the season began.
“My freshman year, I was the final player cut,” Cherry remarked. “They selected two tight ends in the first and third rounds, but neither were ready to play. They maintained four tight ends, which no one else did, and six defensive backs rather than seven.
“When one of the defensive backs got hurt in the first game, (the Chiefs) brought me back. They summoned me and informed me that the damage was not as terrible as they had anticipated.”
Cherry spent the week in Kansas City. He knew it was only a matter of time until he had his opportunity.
“Back then, we only had a 45-man roster and no practice squads,” he said. “Someone was injured, so they signed me.”
With the support of the USFL, Deron Cherry received his big break in 1983.
In his third year with the team, Cherry was promoted to a full-time starter. He won it by his on-field performance, with a little help from the newly founded United States Football League.
Cherry remarked, “I was playing behind Gary Barbaro, a two-time All-Pro.” “The USFL was about to start, and Gary had an agent who was known for keeping his customers waiting. That was something Lamar Hunt didn’t want to deal with. Gary joined the United States Football League.
“We had a totally new defense when Bud Carson came in as our new defensive coordinator,” Cherry remarked. “We had to learn the new system as a group.” It was perfect timing.”
Cherry was as well.
In his first season as a full-time starter, Cherry had seven interceptions, two fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He was named to his first of six Pro Bowl appearances in a row. Cherry had at least seven picks for four years in a row, with a career high of nine in 1986. He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection.
During the 1991 season, he was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Cherry is still a huge part of the Chiefs’ community and resides in Kansas City. His Deron Cherry Foundation has aided a variety of nonprofits, from sending youngsters to summer camp to assisting front-line workers and animal rescue. He’s been so involved for the past 30 years that when the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl in 2020, he was presented with a ring.
“Having a significant emphasis on the community was something Lamar Hunt really wanted to do,” Cherry added. “
Cherry is proud of his achievements both on and off the field. The Pro Football Hall of Fame should be his next destination. Cherry is well-deserving of the award, as evidenced by the statistics. When it comes to all-time NFL safety, Ronnie Lott is up there with the greatest, if not the best.
Lott has four more seasons on the field than Cherry and has 13 more interceptions in his career. Lott has just three seasons in which he had seven or more selections. Cherry had a total of five. Cherry didn’t have the same opportunities as Lott to play for the San Francisco 49ers. Lott is the gold standard for top security, and Cherry is right there with him. Cherry isn’t as frightening or hard-hitting as Lott, but he can hold his own against the best of them.
For crying out loud, the man entered the league as a punter.
Cherry added, “I’m proud of what I’ve done in my career.” “I’m proud of the stats I put up, which were all put up with the goal of helping my team win.” I wanted to be the best at what I did and always offer all I had for my team.”
The mission has been completed. Deron Cherry is a Canton native.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Deron Cherry?
A: I am here.
Where did Deron Cherry go to college?
A: Due to the fact that he has not gone to college, we cannot answer with 100% certainty. However, it is believed that Deron Cherry attended a school in Canada called Université de Moncton.
How old is Deron Cherry?
A: Deron Cherry is 28 years old.
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