Most of us recall when the issue of whether Nat Berhe was Eritrean or not
became a topic on Twitter last year after Nat Berhe was drafted by the
NFL's NY Giants. Eri-International sports caught up with Nat recently while
he recovers from a very painful calf injury while he was vying for the
starting safety position for the NY Giants.
A little bit about Nat Berhe. Berhe was born in Fontana, California and
attended Colton High School. His mother Judy is an African American; his
father Berhe Asfaha emigrated from Eritrea in 1970. Nat played four years
of varsity football as a defensive back and running back and also lettered
twice in track and field. He was also a member of the honor society.
Nat attended San Diego State University where he excelled as a defensive
player. It is to be recalled that Eri-international sport had also featured
another Eritrean football player who played at San Diego State in the early
2000's. After being drafted last year by the NFL's New York Giants he had a
pretty decent rookie year where he got high praise from the coaching staff.
He was injured and had been recovering as the injury on his calf did not
recover fully before this season.
In his rookie season last year he recorded decent numbers. As a rookie in
2014, Berhe played in all 16 games, primarily on special teams...Finished the
season with 8 special teams tackles (5 solo) and a fumble recovery on
special teams and 4 tackles (3 solo) as a reserve safety on defense...Made
his NFL debut at Detroit (9/8) and had 1 tackle on defense and 1 on special
teams...Had a season-high 2 tackles (1 solo) at safety vs. Houston
(9/21)...Recorded 2 special teams tackles at Jacksonville (11/30)...Played
safety and had 1 tackle and 1 special teams tackle at Tennessee
(12/7)...Contributed 2 special teams tackles and a fumble recovery at St.
Louis (12/21). (Courtesy of the NY GIANTS)
So while recovering and helping his team he was tweeting away last week and
sharing the cycling fever to some of his friends on twitter while enjoying
the race.
Meanwhile Eri-international sports was able to catch up with him for a
short question and answer session during a busy time for him while he is
still on recovery and training mode. Here is the exclusive interview with
Nat Berhe of the NY Giants.
Nat Berhe first Eritrean NFL player interview with Eri-International sports
1. Thank you Nat for allowing us time from your busy schedule. How does it
feel to be in the NFL and represent Eritrea?
It's a blessing, I've heard from so many other Eritrean kids that tell me
they want to play in the NFL one day. It's been a lot of mutual love and
I'm humbled to serve as an inspiration to them.
2. You are in your prime and your calf injury got in the way of you playing
this year, but chances are that you will be back and contributing to the
Giants. How has the injury affected you?
I wanted more than anything to help my team win games and contribute to
help us win super bowl 50 but God had other plans for this season. I'm
already back running and training, but because I was placed on injured
reserve my season is over. Nevertheless, I'm in meetings and focused on how
I can help the giants win next year.
3. You recently tweeted about the Eritrean national Cycling team, which
participated in the UCI Road Championships, and you saw the Eritrean fans
all over. How did that make you feel?
The tweet popped up on my timeline so I watched it and thought it was a
great moment, a moment worth sharing. The support was outstanding.
4. What are your plans in the future to visit Eritrea?
When I get healthy and the time is right I definitely want to visit.
5. Anything else you would like to add?
Thanks for taking the time to ask these questions.
For Eri-international sports.
Mike Seium
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Posted By Eri-International Sports Comments to Eri-International Sports at
10/06/2015 03:20:00 AM
Received on Tue Oct 06 2015 - 06:20:49 EDT