Brock Berlin

Brock Berlin
No. 3, 13
Position:Quarterback
Personal information
Born: (1981-07-04) July 4, 1981 (age 43)
Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:215 lb (98 kg)
Career information
High school:Evangel Christian Academy (Shreveport)
College:Florida (2000-2001) Miami (FL) (2002-2004)
Undrafted:2005
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
TD–INT:0–1
Passing yards:159
Passer rating:58.4
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Brock Sterling Berlin (born July 4, 1981) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida Gators and Miami Hurricanes. Berlin was signed by the Miami Dolphins of the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2005, and was also a member of the Hamburg Sea Devils, Dallas Cowboys, St. Louis Rams, and Detroit Lions.

Early life

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Berlin was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, and attended Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, where he played quarterback for the football team.[1] He helped lead Evangel Christian to three consecutive Louisiana state high school football championships.[2] He was recognized as a Parade All-American.[3] He won numerous personal honors, including being named Gatorade National Player of the Year and USA Today National Offensive Player of the Year.[4][5]

College career

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University of Florida

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After a long recruiting battle for his services, Berlin chose to accept an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Florida, where he played for coach Steve Spurrier's Florida Gators football team during the 2000 and 2001 seasons.[1][6] His career as a Florida Gator never panned out, though, as he found himself stuck behind Rex Grossman on the team's depth chart. Given the chance to start the 2002 Orange Bowl against Maryland because Grossman was benched for violating curfew, Berlin performed adequately.[7] He engineered two scoring drives out of six opportunities in the first 24 minutes, including one touchdown pass and two interceptions.[8] Grossman came in late in the first half and played a brilliant game, solidifying his status as the Gators' starting quarterback for the following season.[9] Berlin played in twelve games for the Gators over two seasons, throwing for 849 yards, 12 touchdowns, and four interceptions while completing 64-of-106 passes (60.4%).[citation needed]

University of Miami

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After the 2001 season, Berlin transferred to the University of Miami, where he would have the opportunity to play for the defending national champion Miami Hurricanes.[10][11] As required by NCAA transfer regulations, Berlin sat out the 2002 season, which he spent running Miami's scout team.[12]

2003 season

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After incumbent quarterback Ken Dorsey's graduation, Berlin took over the starting job for the 2003 season.[13] Berlin's first season was marked by inconsistency. In his first home game as a Miami Hurricane, Berlin squared off against his old team, the Florida Gators. The Hurricanes fell behind 33–10 in the third quarter and Berlin began to hear boos from the crowd as it appeared Miami's then-33 game regular season winning streak was about to end. Berlin, though, caught fire as the team switched to a shotgun offense and rallied Miami to 28 unanswered points.[14] The 38–33 victory was the greatest comeback in Miami history. He also stoked the fires of the Florida–Miami rivalry by mocking his former team and fans during and after the game.[15] Several weeks later, Berlin again showed his mettle in leading Miami to a 22–14 rain soaked victory at rival Florida State.[16] However, Berlin struggled in a 31–7 November 1 loss to the Virginia Tech Hokies, as Miami's regular season winning streak was snapped at 39 games.[17] Berlin and the Miami offense again struggled the next week as a hungover Hurricane squad lost 10–6 to Tennessee at home.[18] Berlin, under intense criticism by the media and fans, was benched by head coach Larry Coker for Miami's next game against Syracuse.[19] After Miami's offense, now quarterbacked by Derrick Crudup, again struggled in the 17–10 homecoming win against Syracuse, Coker switched back to Berlin.[20][21] Miami would win the Big East Conference, defeat Florida State (for the second time that season) in the FedEx Orange Bowl,[22] and finish the season at 11–2 and ranked #5 in both polls.[23][24] Despite showing poise and strong leadership skills, Berlin's numbers for the 2003 season (2,419 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions) were unimpressive, and Coker opened up competition for the quarterback job in the spring.[25][26]

2004 season

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Despite some fans clamoring for highly touted redshirt freshman Kyle Wright to be given the job, Berlin, now a senior, showed considerable progress during spring practice and won the starting job decisively.[27]

Berlin played much better during the 2004 season and added yet another historic comeback to his résumé when he led Miami to a 41–38 win over Louisville in which Miami rallied from a 17-point deficit in the final 20 minutes of the game.[28] The Hurricanes rose as high as #4 in the rankings before late season losses to ACC foes North Carolina, Clemson, and Virginia Tech knocked Miami out of national and conference championship contention.[29] After an 8–3 regular season, Miami was invited to play in the Peach Bowl, where Berlin once again faced his former team, the Florida Gators. Again, Berlin enjoyed success against his former school as Miami won 27–10,[30] finishing the season 9–3 and ranked #11 in both polls.[31]

Berlin finished the season with impressive numbers, throwing for 2,961 yards and 25 touchdowns with six interceptions.[32]

Professional career

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Miami Dolphins

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Berlin went undrafted in the 2005 NFL draft, but was soon signed to a free agent contract by the Miami Dolphins.[33] He served as a backup quarterback for the Dolphins during training camp, although he was not a member of the team's active regular season roster. During the offseason, Berlin was allocated by the Dolphins to NFL Europe to the Hamburg Sea Devils.[34][35][36] He was cut by the team on August 30, 2006.[37]

Dallas Cowboys

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On April 25, 2007, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys to compete to be their third-string quarterback.[38] He was later released by the team.[39]

St. Louis Rams

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On May 17, 2007, the St. Louis Rams signed Berlin to a contract. Berlin started his first NFL regular-season game on December 9, 2007. He was 17-for-27 for 153 yards and an interception in the 19–10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.[40]

In 2008, Berlin served as the Rams' inactive third quarterback for 15 games; he only saw action in the game against the Chicago Bears.[41] He was released by the Rams on September 5, 2009.[42]

Detroit Lions

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Berlin was signed to the Detroit Lions practice squad on September 7, 2009.[43] He was released by the team on September 23.[44]

After his release from the Lions, Berlin did not sign with another NFL team.

Family

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Berlin is married and has three children.[45][39]

References

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  1. ^ a b Hodge, Bill (October 20, 1999). "Berlin a Brock-solid quarterback". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on February 21, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  2. ^ Hogan, Nakia (August 5, 2005). "Brock Berlin 1999". PelicanPreps. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  3. ^ "1999 Parade All America High School Football Team (37th Annual) (2 of 4)". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. January 30, 2000. p. 187. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "Brock Berlin 1999 - 2000". Gatorade. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  5. ^ Altshuler, Josh (December 30, 2004). "The Brock Berlin Timeline". Gainesville Sun. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  6. ^ "Brock Berlin". University of Miami Athletics. June 2, 2017. Archived from the original on June 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  7. ^ "Not forgotten Berlin finally back on field". Gainesville Sun. August 23, 2003. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  8. ^ "Football rolls to 56-23 win over MD in Orange Bowl". Florida Gators. January 3, 2002. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  9. ^ "FedEx Orange Bowl: Maryland vs. Florida". ESPN.com. January 2, 2002. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  10. ^ "Prospect Berlin leaning toward transferring to Miami". SEC Sports. December 25, 2001. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  11. ^ "Berlin transfers from UF – Spurrier's old home". The Miami Hurricane. January 18, 2002. Archived from the original on January 28, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  12. ^ "Brock Berlin eager to get on the field after long time away". The Miami Hurricane. December 6, 2002. Archived from the original on November 26, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  13. ^ Milian, Jorge (September 4, 2003). "No hard feelings". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  14. ^ Degnan, Susan Miller (February 27, 2014). "Brock Berlin's defining moment as a Miami Hurricane". Miami Herald. Archived from the original on June 7, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  15. ^ "Berlin helps Miami take a chomp out of Florida". ESPN.com. September 7, 2003. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  16. ^ "Teams combine for 10 turnovers". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 12, 2003. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  17. ^ Markus, Don (November 2, 2003). "Va. Tech pours it on No. 2 Miami, 31-7". Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  18. ^ Long, Mark (November 8, 2003). "Vols Hand Hurricanes Rare Home Loss, 10-6". University of Tennessee Athletics. Associated Press. Archived from the original on September 16, 2021. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  19. ^ "Miami coach benches Winslow and QB Berlin". Deseret News. Associated Press. November 12, 2003. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  20. ^ "Musical QBs: Berlin may regain 'Canes job". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 16, 2003. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  21. ^ Snyder, Michael (November 24, 2003). "Berlin to start against Panthers". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  22. ^ "Miami beats Florida State 16-14 in the Orange Bowl". WTSP. January 2, 2004. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  23. ^ "2003 Big East Conference Year Summary". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  24. ^ "2003 Miami (FL) Hurricanes Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  25. ^ Harig, Bob (September 3, 2004). "Under the glare". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  26. ^ King, Kelley (April 26, 2004). "Snap Count Three QBs are vying to start at Miami, but Brock Berlin is still No. 1". Sports Illustrated Vault. Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  27. ^ "Berlin Solidifies Starter Status". The Ledger. April 18, 2004. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  28. ^ "Miami Fends Off Louisville". WLTX. October 15, 2004. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  29. ^ "2004 Miami (FL) Hurricanes Schedule and Results". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 31, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  30. ^ "Hurricanes dominate Gators again". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 1, 2005. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  31. ^ "2004 Miami (FL) Hurricanes Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 6, 2019. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  32. ^ Dottavio, Justin (January 24, 2020). "Top 5 transfers in Hurricanes football history". State of The U. Archived from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  33. ^ "Dolphins sign Berlin". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. April 26, 2005. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  34. ^ "NFL Europe Opens 14th Season Saturday". Packers.com. March 13, 2006. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  35. ^ "Allen's Turn to Shine". Buccaneers.com. April 10, 2006. Archived from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  36. ^ "Allen's Town". www.buccaneers.com. May 9, 2006. Archived from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  37. ^ "Dolphins' McKinney out for season; QB Berlin cut". ESPN.com. Associated Press. August 29, 2006. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  38. ^ "Cowboys Sign Brock Berlin, Add QB Depth". Dallas Cowboys. April 25, 2007. Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  39. ^ a b "ArkLaTex Legends: Brock Berlin". KTBS. September 22, 2017. Archived from the original on September 23, 2017. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  40. ^ "St. Louis Rams at Cincinnati Bengals - December 9th, 2007". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 30, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  41. ^ "Brock Berlin 2008 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 5, 2016. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  42. ^ "Rams release Johnson". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. September 5, 2009. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  43. ^ Seifert, Kevin (September 7, 2009). "Dozens of new faces in Detroit". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  44. ^ Yuille, Sean (September 23, 2009). "Wednesday Notes: Lions Sign Matthias Askew to Practice Squad, Release Brock Berlin". Pride Of Detroit. Archived from the original on February 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  45. ^ Chirinos, Christy Cabrera (December 24, 2019). "Shreveport's Hometown Hurricane". University of Miami Athletics. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
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