Every year, the NFL draft helps hundreds of players across the country realize their lifelong dream of playing in the NFL. 256 players from 75 different programs got drafted this year.
Uar Bernard was among the players whose names were called at the 2026 NFL draft. However, what’s most surprising about Bernard’s selection is that it happened despite his never having played a single snap of organized football.
Bernard was the 251st pick in the draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He is from Abuja, Nigeria. The 21-year-old did not compete in any athletics until he was 16. The first sport he played was basketball. Years later, he discovered football, and today he’s an NFL athlete.
His journey to the NFL is very different from what we see in the league every year. Bernard is a part of the International Player Pathway Program. The IPP is an NFL program that identifies football talent outside the USA and Canada.
Bernard is being compared to Myles Garrett. He is 6’4 5/8 while Garrett is 6’4 1/2. There’s a massive weight difference between the two; Bernard is 306 lbs, while Garrett is 272.
Bernard recorded a 4.63 40-yard dash, compared to Garrett’s 4.64 in 2017. Bernard is 10’10 on the broad jump, while Garrett was 10’8.
Needless to say, Bernard has the athleticism. However, football is so much more than physical capabilities. Once he takes the field after months of practice with the team, we’ll know if he’s cut out for the NFL.
Philadelphia Eagles GM on Uar Bernard
The Eagles think that they have landed a surprise pick in the draft with Bernard.
When Philadelphia Eagles GM Howard Roseman was asked about the selection, he said he wanted to take a chance on Bernard.
“We wanted to take the chance on the kid,” he told SI. “Obviously, we’ve had great success with that program [the International Player Pathway].”
Bernard will play defensive tackle for the Eagles.
Read More:
Amid Diego Pavia’s Snub, Ryan Clark Sends Clear Message to Overcome Undrafted Setback
Deion Sanders Jr. Sends Diego Pavia Powerful Message After NFL Draft Snub
Fernando Mendoza Receives Surprise from Grandparents After Draft, His Reaction Goes Viral
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in College Football, Men’s College Basketball, Women’s College Basketball, and College Baseball!
