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(AP) -- Eric Berry just couldn't find the words.

 Finally, Kansas City's rookie safety gave up trying to describe
the excitement he'll feel on Sunday when he lines up on the same
field as Ed Reed, the Baltimore safety he's idolized since he was
15.

To some NFL-watchers, Sunday's Ravens-Chiefs matchup in the
first round of the AFC playoffs may even mark the beginning of the
passing of a torch.

The 32-year-old Reed, a seven-time Pro Bowler, has been
recognized as an elite safety since the Ravens drafted him in the
first round out of Miami in 2002.

Now, the 22-year-old Berry shows promise of reaching elite
status himself someday. The former Tennessee All-American has
started every game since the Chiefs made him the first safety taken
with a top-five pick since 1991.

(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)