South Carolina blood brother rebuilds life with Berry's help

Tennessee cornerback Eric Berry (14) points to the sky before kickoff against Florida on Sept. 19, 2009 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.

Photo by Adam Brimer // Buy this photo

Tennessee cornerback Eric Berry (14) points to the sky before kickoff against Florida on Sept. 19, 2009 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.

South Carolina offensive tackle Rokevious Watkins has six older half-brothers - and a former high school teammate and friend he considers a brother.

Watkins and Tennessee junior safety Eric Berry were so close at Creekside High outside of Atlanta that the two went through the painful ritual of cutting open their hands and becoming blood brothers.

Following the death of his father, Watkins said Berry helped save him from the streets of south Fulton County, where Watkins said he was using and dealing drugs, getting in fights and in danger of throwing away his half of their dream to play in the NFL together.

Read the full story by The State.

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Comments » 7

69vol08 writes:

Great story! They were talking about this on the radio this week. I hope he remains "on the right path" and gets to the NFL. Another example of what a class act Berry is!

running_dog writes:

in response to 69vol08:

Great story! They were talking about this on the radio this week. I hope he remains "on the right path" and gets to the NFL. Another example of what a class act Berry is!

You're exactly right...often times people lose sight of what is that's really important. Football is a game. It's refreshing to hear about this young man coming out of a bad situation and having success in life. Thank you for all that you do on and off the field Eric.

wayoutwill writes:

Great story abut a guy that I doubt makes it anywhere but dead or prison without the guidance and friendship that Eric Berry gave him!I belive Eric Berry will be the #1 over-all pick in the NFL Draft.

pope10 writes:

maybe kiffen can use some of his recruiting skills and talk eric into staying for JUST one more year

BuckFama writes:

Berry's an exceptional young man. I'm thankful we've had the benefit of having him in orange.

bes4#389390 writes:

Eric Berry is a class act, who deserves to be a top pick in the draft. The Titans have a pitiful secondary this year. It would be great to have him in Nashville during his pro career so we could watch him every week!

UTByrd writes:

Just goes to show what compassion and action can do to have a positive effect on some one's life.
The blood brother thing is just too cool. May the Creator watch over you and yours.
Go VOLS!!!!!

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