50 Facts About Terrel Bernard

Terrel Bernard is a name that resonates with football enthusiasts, especially fans of the Buffalo Bills. This linebacker has made waves with his athletic skills, leadership, and academic achievements. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about Terrel Bernard.

Early Life and High School

Understanding Terrel Bernard's roots gives insight into his journey to the NFL.

1. Birthdate and Place: Terrel Bernard was born on May 7, 1999, in La Porte, Texas.
2. High School: Bernard attended La Porte High School in La Porte, Texas.
3. Family Background: He comes from a family with five siblings and was in the middle child position.
4. Texas Native: Growing up, Bernard was a fan of the Houston Texans, a team from his home state of Texas.

College Career at Baylor University

Bernard's time at Baylor University was marked by significant achievements and growth.

5. College Football: He played college football at Baylor University.
6. Redshirt Freshman: Bernard redshirted his true freshman season at Baylor but played in 11 games as a redshirt freshman, recording 47 tackles with one sack and one interception.
7. Sophomore Season: As a redshirt sophomore, Bernard became a starter 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.
8. Junior Season: In 2020, Bernard repeated as a second team All-Big 12 selection after recording 55 tackles through five games before suffering a season-ending injury.
9. Senior Season: As a redshirt senior, Bernard was named first team All-Conference after recording 106 tackles with 12.5 for loss and 7.5 sacks.
10. Sugar Bowl MVP: Bernard was named the MVP of the 2022 Sugar Bowl after posting 20 tackles and 2 sacks.
11. College Career Sacks: He finished his college career with 16.5 sacks, which is third-most in Baylor program history.
12. College Career Tackles: Bernard played in 45 games during his collegiate career at Baylor, totaling 320 tackles, 22.5 TFL (tackles for loss), 12 sacks, three interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and three fumble recoveries.
13. Degree and Master’s: Bernard graduated from Baylor with a degree in health, kinesiology, and leisure studies and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in sports management.

Transition to the NFL

Bernard's transition from college to the professional league was seamless, showcasing his talent on a bigger stage.

14. Draft Position: Terrel Bernard was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round (89th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft.
15. Athletic Ability: Despite being undersized at 6-foot-1 and 224 pounds, Bernard consistently made up for it with his athletic ability, running a 4.59-second 40-yard dash.
16. RAS Score: His analytical score (RAS) was off the charts, ranking 271 out of 2419 linebackers from 1987 to 2022.
17. Leadership: Bernard is known for his leadership on the field. His former head coach, Matt Rhule, described him as having "a great football mind".
18. Instinctive Player: Bernard is an instinctive player, particularly against the run, due to his natural football instincts.
19. Blitzer: He was deployed as a blitzer and was very effective in doing so, finishing third in school history with 16.5 career sacks.
20. Decorated Player: In addition to his production, Bernard was a decorated player. He earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors in his sophomore and junior seasons and was named First Team All-Big 12 as a senior.
21. Team Captain: Bernard was a team captain during his senior year at Baylor.
22. MVP of Sugar Bowl: He was named the MVP of Baylor's Sugar Bowl victory.

Professional Career with the Buffalo Bills

Bernard's professional career with the Buffalo Bills has been nothing short of impressive.

23. Tackling Machine: Bernard is known as a tackling machine, appearing in 13 games for Baylor in 2021 and putting up 103 total tackles, including 12.5 for loss, with 7.5 sacks and four passes defended.
24. 100-Tackle Seasons: He had two 100-tackle seasons during his college career.
25. Injury in 2020: In 2020, Bernard suffered a torn labrum and fractured shoulder, which ended his season early.
26. Switched Schools: Bernard initially wanted to attend the University of Houston but switched to Baylor when former Cougars coach Tom Herman left.
27. Interest from Multiple Teams: Before the 2022 NFL Draft, Bernard knew that the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, Houston Texans, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were interested in him.
28. COVID Hobby: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bernard took up painting as a hobby, inspired by Bob Ross videos.
29. Karaoke Song: His go-to karaoke song is "Miss Me" by Drake.
30. Professional Career: Bernard began his professional career with the Buffalo Bills in 2022, contributing significantly to the team's defense.
31. Impact on Bills Defense: In his first season with the Bills, Bernard led the team in tackles while recording 6.5 sacks, nine quarterback hits, three interceptions, and three fumble recoveries.
32. Playoff Performance: During a dominant playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bernard made four tackles, broke up two passes, and recovered a fumble despite lasting only 32 plays due to a dislocated right ankle.
33. Injury in Week 2: In Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season, Bernard sustained a pectoral injury during the game against the Miami Dolphins and was downgraded to out for the remainder of the game.
34. Impact on Team Dynamics: His absence was felt deeply by the Bills, as he would have made more effective stops and provided a calmer presence in relaying signals and recognizing plays.
35. Leadership Role: Bernard's leadership was crucial for the Bills' defense, giving Coach Sean McDermott enough confidence to avoid risky plays like direct snaps to safety Damar Hamlin for an unsuccessful fake punt.
36. Comparison to Other Players: Bernard's skill set mirrors that of Matt Milano but is not similar to Tremaine Edmunds, making him a unique asset to the Bills' defense.
37. Draft Analysis: Some draft analysts predicted Bernard to be a fifth-round pick, but the Bills selected him in the third round, indicating their confidence in his potential.
38. Athletic Prowess: Despite being undersized, Bernard's athleticism allows him to compete effectively against larger opponents, making him a valuable asset on the field.
39. College Honors: Bernard earned multiple honors during his college career at Baylor, including Second Team All-Big 12 selections in his sophomore and junior years and First Team All-Big 12 as a senior.
40. Academic Achievements: He graduated from Baylor with a degree in health, kinesiology, and leisure studies and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in sports management.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond the field, Bernard has a rich personal life and diverse interests.

41. Leadership Quotes: His former head coach Dave Aranda described him as embodying the heart, soul, and character of the team, saying, "When I think of the heart, soul, and character of our team, I think of him".
42. Sugar Bowl Performance: In the 2022 Sugar Bowl, Bernard posted 20 tackles and 2 sacks, leading to his MVP award.
43. Tackling Statistics: Throughout his college career, Bernard accumulated impressive tackling statistics, including 320 tackles, 22.5 TFL, and 12 sacks.
44. Interceptions and Pass Breakups: He also recorded three interceptions and 11 pass breakups during his time at Baylor.
45. Fumble Recoveries: Bernard had three fumble recoveries during his collegiate career, showcasing his ability to make impactful plays on the field.
46. Blitzing Ability: As a blitzer, Bernard was highly effective, finishing third in school history with 16.5 career sacks.
47. Role in Buffalo Bills Defense: In his first season with the Bills, Bernard played a crucial role in the defense, contributing significantly to the team's tackling and sack totals.
48. Impact on Playoffs: During the playoffs, Bernard's performance was instrumental in the Bills' victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, despite his injury.
49. Injury Impact: The injury sustained in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season has significantly impacted the Bills' defense, as they now face the challenge of replacing him with another player.
50. Future Prospects: Despite the current injury, Terrel Bernard's future prospects remain bright. His leadership, athleticism, and tackling ability make him a valuable asset to any NFL team, and his academic pursuits further enhance his overall profile as a player and individual.

Terrel Bernard: A Rising Star

Terrel Bernard's journey from La Porte, Texas, to the NFL showcases his dedication, talent, and leadership. At Baylor, he became a standout player, earning multiple All-Big 12 honors and leading his team to victory in the 2022 Sugar Bowl. His transition to the Buffalo Bills has been impressive, with Bernard quickly becoming a key player in their defense. Despite facing injuries, his resilience and determination shine through. Bernard's academic achievements and pursuit of a master’s degree in sports management highlight his commitment to excellence both on and off the field. As he continues to recover and grow, Bernard's future in the NFL looks promising. His story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the impact of a strong support system. Keep an eye on Terrel Bernard; he's just getting started.