Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder dropped again to go on 4th-and-9, down three factors, with solely 90 seconds to go.

Dealing with close to prompt strain, Ridder escaped the pocket, rolled proper, and threw up a soar ball to rookie receiver Jared Bernhardt.

The 6-1, 195-pound Bernhardt wasn’t the obvious candidate for a 50/50 ball, however he was Ridder’s solely choice. With the sport on the road and the ball floating via the air, Bernhardt allowed his instincts to take over, working again to Ridder’s go and hauling in a go-ahead landing that in the end proved to be the distinction.

Ridder described Bernhardt’s efforts as a “large play for us,” however to really acquire an appreciation for what it meant to the rookie wideout, contemplate that his expertise on the soccer did not stretch past choice quarterback previous to signing with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent.

Or contemplate that he was one of many elite gamers in one other sport and gave all of it as much as play Division II soccer.

Bernhardt starred on each the soccer and lacrosse fields in highschool, however in the end selected to comply with within the footsteps of his two brothers and commerce the pigskin for a stick, attending nationwide lacrosse powerhouse Maryland.

Earlier than graduating highschool, he was the U-19 World Championships MVP and earned All-World staff honors. He arrived at Maryland because the No. 3 general recruit in his class and a day-one starter on a staff that proceeded to win the Nationwide Championship.

Quick ahead to his fifth collegiate season, and Bernhardt turned in one of many best campaigns in school lacrosse historical past. He completed his time with the Terrapins because the record-holder in a number of key classes, embody all-time and single-season factors and objectives.

However nonetheless, Bernhardt wasn’t completely glad along with his school expertise. Nonetheless holding a 12 months of eligibility as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, he opted to renew his soccer profession, transferring to Division 2 Ferris State.

Bernhardt received the competitors for the beginning job … at quarterback. Regardless of not taking part in aggressive soccer since 2016, he instantly produced, racking up over 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns via the air whereas dashing for over 1,400 yards and 26 touchdowns. 

He received convention participant of the 12 months honors and led Ferris State to an undefeated season, capping it off with this system’s first-ever Nationwide Championship.

Regardless of profitable championships and participant of the 12 months awards in two sports activities, Bernhardt went undrafted this April, although The Athletic‘s draft professional, Dane Brugler, revealed that several scouts thought the Florida native can be drafted previous to operating a 4.70 40-yard sprint.

The winding street from lacrosse famous person to Division II Nationwide Champion in the end led Bernhardt to Atlanta, the place he is made a constructive impression on Falcons coach Arthur Smith.

“He can play in area. Leverage. Spatial consciousness,” Smith named when discussing Bernhardt’s high traits. “I like his competitiveness, however he has plenty of work to do.”

Bernhardt by no means was going to be a completed product at receiver this early in his skilled profession. That being stated, Smith has been blown away by the tempo with which Bernhardt has gotten in control and sees upside within the 24-year-old.

“I’ll say it’s been fairly eye-opening to see how shortly he’s made the transition,” stated Smith. “I’ll give him credit score there. The opposite night time (towards the Lions), you’ll be able to see his spatial consciousness as he went to field a man as much as get to the highest of the route. So, I’m excited to maintain working with him.”

Bernhardt’s game-winning landing towards the Lions was largely only a synopsis of what he is been doing all through Atlanta’s offseason program. He carried that sturdy kind over to New Jersey, the place the Falcons held a joint apply with the New York Jets.

Matched up with No. 4 general decide Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Bernhardt received inside leverage off the road of scrimmage and was on the receiving finish of one other tight-window landing go from Ridder.

Bernhardt might virtually actually be starring in skilled lacrosse if he wished to. As an alternative, he is placing his all into residing out a dream as an NFL participant, scratching and clawing his approach into rivalry for a roster spot.

Whereas Bernhardt nonetheless has work to do, he is in a a lot better place than he was initially of minicamp. Within the meantime, the multi-talented athlete must proceed stacking performs, a lot as he is executed his total life.