The San Francisco 49ers took home some hardware at the recent Bay Area Emmy Awards. "The Valley," an episode of 49ers Studios signature television show, "The Faithful," won the Emmy in the category of "Historic/Culture Program Special."
In the episode, former 49ers star defensive back Kermit Alexander shares the horrific story about the murder of his family and how he rose from the tregedy.
San Francisco drafted Alexander with the eighth-overall pick in the 1963 NFL Draft. He played seven seasons with the 49ers and accumulated 36 interceptions in 94 games.
On the morning of August 31, 1984, three armed men broke into a house in the South Central section of Los Angeles, brutally murdering Alexander's mother, Ebora Alexander; his sister, Dietra Alexander; and his nephews Damani Garner and Damon Bonner. Now, over thirty years after the tragedy, Alexander shared the many ways it affected his life–and the unlikely source of redemption that followed.
One of eleven children, Alexander grew up in the Watts area of Los Angeles, and went on to become a UCLA football star. At the time of the tragic murders, Alexander was 44, retired and had just been hired as the color commentator for UCLA football.
Alexander's book, "The Valley of the Shadow of Death," is another great source for his story. The book can currently be purchased on Amazon.com.
Congratulations to Rob Alberino (executive producer/director), Wil Blackwell (producer/editor) and Trey Dillen (photographer), all of whom earned Emmys for their part in the show. Additionally, 49ers Studios would like to once again send a deep and sincere thank you to Alexander for sharing his story.
