Terrel Bernard

Terrel Bernard is an active American professional football linebacker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL).

Player Profile, High School, and College Career

Terrel Bernard was born on May 7, 1999, in La Porte, Texas, USA. The Linebacker stands 185 cm tall, and his weight was last listed at 102 kg.

He grew up in Texas and attended La Porte High School, where he was a highly disruptive defensive force, earning consecutive All-District honors after logging 201 total tackles across his standout junior and senior seasons.

Committing to Baylor University, Bernard starred for the Bears from 2017 to 2021. He developed into the absolute centerpiece of the team's dominant defensive scheme, capturing First-team All-Big 12 honors in 2021 and twice being selected to the Second-team All-Big 12.

Bernard punctuated his spectacular collegiate career by winning the 2022 Sugar Bowl MVP award after racking up a brilliant 17-tackle, two-sack performance to lead Baylor to a victory over Ole Miss.

Professional Career

Bernard was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the third round (89th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft.

He spent his rookie season adapting to the speed of the professional level, filling a crucial rotational and special team’s role. He broke out during his sophomore campaign in 2023, securing the starting middle linebacker job and producing a sensational season with 143 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and three interceptions, establishing himself as a premier defensive quarterback.

Recognizing his value as a primary cornerstone of the franchise, the Bills' front office locked Bernard down in March 2025 with a lucrative four-year, $50 million contract extension featuring $25.2 million fully guaranteed.

His 2025 campaign proved to be a test of physical resilience; he fought through a string of complex calf, elbow, and ankle injuries that limited him to 12 regular-season games.

But he still contributed 65 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and a crucial interception to help guide the Bills to a 12-5 record. Entering the 2026 offseason program fully healthy, Bernard switched his jersey from number 43 to number 8 and returned to full participation in spring OTAs, ready to anchor the defense under incoming defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard.

Career Highlights

• 2025 – Secured a multi-year extension, cementing his role as Buffalo's defensive anchor
• 2022 – Sugar Bowl MVP (Baylor)
• 2021 – First-team All-Big 12
• 2019, 2020 – 2× Second-team All-Big 12