This scene shows the reality of Gerry and Julius's relationship. They were "brothers" in each other's eyes. Their relationship had an powerful and positive effect on the team. They showed firsthand that race didn't matter. Their friendship as brothers helped the team come together as a unit and play football, as well as create long lasting friendships. Their relationship brought normalcy among the chaos.
Gerry was in a car accident after the championship game, and was paralyzed from the waist down for the rest of his life. Despite his heartbreak and challenges, he remained positive and gave people throughout the T.C. Williams and Alexandria community hope, even while he, himself needed it most. [1]
[1] http://www.teachwithmovies.org/guides/remember-the-titans-files/remember-the-titans-supplemental-materials.html