Terrel Bernard

Last updated

Terrel Bernard
No. 43 – Buffalo Bills
Position: Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1999-05-07) May 7, 1999 (age 25)
La Porte, Texas, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:224 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High school: La Porte
College: Baylor (2017–2021)
NFL draft: 2022  / round: 3 / pick: 89
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 8, 2024
Total tackles:197
Sacks:6.5
Fumble recoveries:4
Pass deflections:6
Interceptions:4
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Terrel Bernard (born May 7, 1999) is an American professional football linebacker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Baylor.

Contents

Early life

Bernard grew up in La Porte, Texas and attended La Porte High School. [1]

College career

Bernard redshirted his true freshman season at Baylor. [2] He played in 11 games as a redshirt freshman and recorded 47 tackles with one sack and one interception. [3] Bernard became a starter as a redshirt sophomore and was named second team All-Big 12 Conference after leading the Bears with 112 tackles and also recording 4.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, and one interception. [4] He repeated as a second team All-Big 12 selection in 2020 after recording 55 tackles through five games before suffering a season ending injury. [5] Bernard was named first team All-Conference as a redshirt senior after recording 106 tackles with 12.5 for loss and 7.5 sacks. [6] Bernard was named the 2022 Sugar Bowl MVP after posting 20 tackles and 2 sacks vs. Ole Miss.

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 0+7⁄8 in
(1.85 m)		224 lb
(102 kg)		30+1⁄4 in
(0.77 m)		9+5⁄8 in
(0.24 m)		4.59 s1.57 s2.63 s4.25 s7.03 s35.5 in
(0.90 m)		10 ft 3 in
(3.12 m)		22 reps
Sources: [7] [8]

The Buffalo Bills selected Bernard in the third round, 89th overall, of the 2022 NFL draft. [9] He played mostly as a backup in his rookie year.

Bernard (#43) in action with his teammates against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets in 2023 Bills LBs vs Rodgers.jpg
Bernard (#43) in action with his teammates against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets in 2023

Despite missing much of 2023 preseason due to an injury, Bernard was named the starting inside linebacker to replace Tremaine Edmunds prior to the season. [10] In Week 3 of the 2023 season, Bernard recorded seven tackles, two sacks, a fumble recovery and an interception in a 37–3 win over the Washington Commanders, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week. [11] In his first season as starter, Bernard played all 17 regular season games, leading the Bills in tackles while also becoming the first linebacker in the league since 1991 to put up at least six sacks, three interceptions and three fumble recoveries in the same season. [12] Head coach Sean McDermott later named Bernard his breakout player on the team after the season. [13]

In the playoffs, Bernard injured his ankle in the wild card round against the Pittsburgh Steelers and was carted off the field. [14] While Buffalo would advance to the divisional round against the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, Bernard was ruled out due to the injury, [15] and Buffalo lost 27–24 without him and several other defensive starters on the field. [16]

Bernard was named one of just two team captains for the Bills the following year along with quarterback Josh Allen, with Bernard representing the defense. [17] He suffered a strained pectoral muscle in Buffalo's week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins, [18] missing the next two games. In his return against the Houston Texans, Bernard made two key defensive plays, stuffing a fourth-down attempt by Houston in the second quarter and intercepting a pass intended by C. J. Stroud for former Bills receiver Stefon Diggs in the fourth quarter, but Buffalo still lost by a last-second field goal 23–20. [19] In week 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Bernard made a game-winning interception against Patrick Mahomes, ending Kansas City’s hopes of an undefeated season.

NFL career statistics

Legend
BoldCareer High

Regular season

YearTeamGamesTacklesInterceptionsFumbles
GPGSCmbSoloAstTFLQBHSckSftyPDIntYdsAvgLngTDFFFRYdsAvgTD
2022 BUF 161221111000.00000—00000—0
2023 BUF 171714384591096.505320.72003-1-0.30
2024 BUF 2213121000.000000.0000000.00
Career 3520178107711096.505320.72003-1-0.30

Postseason

YearTeamGamesTacklesInterceptionsFumbles
GPGSCmbSoloAstTFLQBHSckSftyPDIntYdsAvgLngTDFFFRYdsAvgTD
2022 BUF 10101000.0000000000000
2023 BUF 11431000.0020000001000
Career 21532000.0020000001000

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Akin Ayodele</span> American football player (born 1979)

Akinola James Ayodele is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, and Buffalo Bills. He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2002 NFL draft. He played college football at Coffeyville Community College and Purdue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Harris (American football)</span> American football player (born 1984)

David Charles Harris is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines. Harris was selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jerry Hughes</span> American football player (born 1988)

Jerry Ray Hughes Jr. is an American professional football defensive end for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the TCU Horned Frogs, where he was twice recognized as a consensus All-American before being selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. Hughes has also played for the Buffalo Bills, with whom he has played the majority of his pro career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dont'a Hightower</span> American football player (born 1990)

Qualin Dont'a Hightower is an American football coach and former linebacker who is the inside linebackers coach for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He previously played in the NFL for nine seasons with the Patriots. Hightower played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, receiving consensus All-American honors and winning two BCS National Championships. Selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft by the Patriots, he was named to two Pro Bowls and won three Super Bowl titles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A. J. Klein</span> American football player (born 1991)

Aaron James Klein is an American former professional football linebacker who played eleven seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Iowa State. He was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Khalil Mack</span> American football player (born 1991)

Khalil Delshon Mack is an American professional football linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Buffalo Bulls and was selected by the Oakland Raiders with the fifth overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Xavien Howard</span> American football player (born 1993)

Xavien Howard is an American professional football cornerback. He played college football for the Baylor Bears and was selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins, where he spent eight seasons with the team. During his tenure in Miami, Howard was a four-time Pro Bowler, a two-time All-Pro member, and led the league in interceptions twice.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Milano</span> American football player (born 1994)

Matthew Vincent Milano is an American professional football linebacker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Boston College.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leighton Vander Esch</span> American football player (born 1996)

Leighton Vander Esch is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Boise State Broncos, and was selected by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft. He spent six seasons with the team, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in his rookie season before neck injuries prematurely ended his playing career.

Christian C. Sam is an American football linebacker who is a free agent. He played college football at Arizona State, in 2017 leading the Pac-12 with 127 tackles, while also leading the Pac-12 with 87 solo tackles. He has been a member of the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Bandits, New Orleans Breakers, and Arlington Renegades.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fred Warner (American football)</span> American football player (born 1996)

Federico Anthony Warner is an American professional football linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the BYU Cougars and was selected by the 49ers in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zack Baun</span> American football player (born 1996)

Zack Baun is an American professional football linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Wisconsin and was selected 74th overall by the Saints in the 2020 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anfernee Jennings</span> American football player (born 1997)

Anfernee Jennings is an American professional football linebacker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and was selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft by the Patriots.

Tyrel Dodson is an American professional football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Texas A&M.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amen Ogbongbemiga</span> Nigerian gridiron football player (born 1998)

Amen Ogbongbemiga is a Nigerian professional American football linebacker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Oklahoma State.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DeMarvion Overshown</span> American football player (born 2000)

DeMarvion Germanic Lee Overshown is an American professional football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Texas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jalen Pitre</span> American football player (born 1999)

Jalen Pitre is an American professional football safety for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Baylor Bears and in 2021, he was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and a consensus All-American.

Christian Benford is an American professional football cornerback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Villanova.

James Houston IV is an American professional football linebacker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Florida before transferring to Jackson State.

Baylon Spector is an American professional football linebacker for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Clemson.

References

  1. ↑ Werner, John (November 18, 2021). "Bernard's leadership unshakable for Bears". Waco Tribune-Herald . Retrieved April 29, 2022.
  2. ↑ Werner, John (September 27, 2018). "Bernard bringing accountability to Baylor defense". Waco Tribune-Herald . Retrieved April 29, 2022.
  3. ↑ Werner, John (November 14, 2019). "Baylor LB Bernard making crucial impact in middle". Waco Tribune-Herald . Retrieved April 29, 2022.
  4. ↑ Gibson, Destine (March 2, 2020). "Baylor linebacker outlook for 2020: Who will help Terrel Bernard back up the line?". The Dallas Morning News . Retrieved April 29, 2022.
  5. ↑ Moyle, Nick (July 15, 2021). "LB Terrel Bernard leading the way for Baylor". San Antonio Express-News . Retrieved April 29, 2022.
  6. ↑ Poorman, Jon (April 24, 2022). "2022 NFL Draft: Houston-area players to watch". Houston Chronicle . Retrieved April 29, 2022.
  7. ↑ "Terrel Bernard Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  8. ↑ "2022 Draft Scout Terrel Bernard, Baylor NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile". draftscout.com. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  9. ↑ Fitzgerald, Katherine (May 5, 2022). "Bills LB Terrel Bernard: 'I feel like I have the experience'". The Buffalo News . Archived from the original on May 6, 2022. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
  10. ↑ "MLB Bernard, CB Benford to start for Bills in opener". News 4 Buffalo. September 6, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  11. ↑ Gordon, Grant (September 27, 2023). "Dolphins RB De'Von Achane, Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III highlight Players of the Week". NFL.com.
  12. ↑ Wojton, Nick (January 4, 2024). "Top three 2024 Pro Bowl snubs from the Bills". Bills Wire. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  13. ↑ Alfano, Jonathan (March 2, 2024). "'Magnificent!' McDermott Praises Bills' Breakout Star". Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills News, Analysis and More. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  14. ↑ "Terrel Bernard leaves on cart due to ankle injury". The Athletic. January 16, 2024. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  15. ↑ Marrero, Nathaniel (January 19, 2024). "Bills Officially Rule Out Four Players vs. Chiefs". Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills News, Analysis and More. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  16. ↑ Parrino, Matt (January 22, 2024). "Bills lose to Chiefs (again) in playoff heartbreaker as kick goes wide right (Observations)". syracuse. Retrieved March 2, 2024. Buffalo was down multiple starters on defense, including middle linebacker Terrel Bernard and cornerback Christian Benford -- and it showed. The Chiefs couldn't be stopped, scoring on five of their first six possessions.
  17. ↑ "Josh Allen, Terrel Bernard reflect on being captains: 'I don't take it lightly'". Bills Wire. September 5, 2024. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  18. ↑ "Report: Bills LB Terrel Bernard's injury recovery timeline revealed". Buffalo Bills On SI. September 13, 2024. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  19. ↑ Gaughan, Mark (October 6, 2024). "Plays that shaped the game: Terrel Bernard's big plays wasted by Bills' late collapse". Buffalo News. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.