Aaron Rodgers didn’t need long to figure out what Alabama fans already knew about Germie Bernard.
When the Pittsburgh Steelers needed a play most on Sunday, Bernard came through again. The rookie wideout caught a short pass from Rodgers in overtime and muscled his way into the end zone for a six-yard touchdown, lifting the Steelers to a 26-19 comeback win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Pittsburgh had been buried early, entering the fourth quarter down 16-3 before clawing back to force overtime. Bernard’s score ended it, and it marked the first touchdown of his NFL career.
Afterward, Rodgers had plenty to say about the former Alabama receiver.
"There comes a time when the confidence starts to match the potential, and I think we're reaching that time with Germie. Very proud of him," Rodgers said, via Mike DeFabo, a Steelers beat writer for The Athletic.
For Alabama followers, none of this feels especially surprising. Bernard was the most dependable target in Tuscaloosa over his two seasons with the Crimson Tide after transferring in from Washington to play for Kalen DeBoer. He finished with 1656 yards and nine touchdowns, and he kept showing up in the biggest spots.
He had the game-winning touchdown against South Carolina on the road last season, and he also hauled in a contested catch against Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff that helped seal that game, among other clutch moments.
That same trust is showing up in Pittsburgh now. Bernard got off to a quiet start, but his role has been growing fast as Rodgers leans on him more and more. Over the last two weeks, Bernard has hauled in 17 passes on 21 targets for 167 yards and a touchdown.
He followed a nine-catch, 80-yard outing in the win over the Indianapolis Colts with an 11-reception, 87-yard day against Tampa Bay, capped by the game-winner.
Bernard is now Pittsburgh’s third-leading receiver behind only DK Metcalf and RB Jaylen Warren, with 227 yards on 24 catches. For a rookie, that’s a quick rise. For Rodgers, it’s becoming obvious why Bernard keeps getting the ball when the game is on the line.
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