Jared Bernhardt Bio
Jared Bernhardt, born September 12, 1997, is an American professional lacrosse attackman for the Denver Outlaws and a former professional football wide receiver. He previously played college lacrosse at the University of Maryland, where he won the Tewaaraton Award as the nation’s top collegiate player, and he also played one season of college football as a quarterback at Ferris State. In addition to his playing career, Bernhardt serves as the director of player development for the University of Maryland men’s lacrosse team.
Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 195 pounds, Bernhardt is known for his versatility across sports and his competitive drive. He has competed at the highest levels of both lacrosse and football, earning All-American recognition in college and a national championship ring in NCAA Division II football.
Early Life and Background
Jared Bernhardt grew up in Longwood, Florida, where he developed an early passion for athletics. His father, Jim Bernhardt, was a longtime football coach at Hofstra, Brown, Central Florida, and Penn State, and later served as the director of football research for the Houston Texans. Growing up in a coaching household gave Jared a deep understanding of strategy, preparation, and the demands of competitive sports from a young age.
Bernhardt attended Lake Brantley High School in Florida, where he excelled as a two-sport athlete. In football, he played quarterback in a triple-option offense and produced impressive numbers as a senior, rushing for 1,457 yards and 12 touchdowns while passing for 751 yards and six touchdowns in 11 games. In lacrosse, he was recognized as an All-American midfielder, showcasing the skill set that would later define his collegiate and professional career.
As a sophomore in high school, Bernhardt committed to play collegiately at the University of Maryland, one of the premier lacrosse programs in the country. His decision to join the Terrapins set the stage for a remarkable five-year college career.
Path to Lacrosse
Bernhardt joined the Maryland Terrapins men’s lacrosse team and quickly made an impact. As a freshman, he was a starting midfielder on the Terrapins’ 2017 NCAA Division I national championship team, earning an early taste of championship success. He continued to develop as one of the most productive players in the program over the following seasons.
Following the death of his father in 2019, Bernhardt made the decision to use the NCAA’s “five to play four” rule, which allows athletes one year of eligibility in another sport after exhausting eligibility in their primary sport. He committed to play quarterback at Ferris State for the 2020 season, but the Division II football season was canceled due to COVID-19, and he remained at Maryland for an additional lacrosse season.
Bernhardt returned for a fifth season at Maryland and won the Tewaaraton Award as the nation’s best collegiate lacrosse player in 2021. He left Maryland as the school’s career leader in goals with 202 and points with 290, cementing his legacy as one of the program’s all-time greats.
Jared Bernhardt Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
Bernhardt’s early career was defined by his time at the University of Maryland, where he spent five seasons developing into a star attackman. He was a key contributor on the 2017 national championship team and continued to grow as a scorer and leader throughout his college career. His senior season was cut short after six games due to COVID-19, but he returned for a fifth year and delivered a historic campaign.
During his final season at Maryland, Bernhardt’s play reached an elite level, culminating in the Tewaaraton Award and the Lt. Raymond Enners Award in 2021. He also excelled at Ferris State as a graduate transfer quarterback, passing for 1,322 yards and 11 touchdowns while rushing for 1,421 yards and 26 touchdowns. He was named the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year as the Bulldogs went 14–0 and won the 2021 NCAA Division II Football Championship Game.
Professional Football Career (2022–2024)
Bernhardt’s professional football career began when he signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2022, shortly after the conclusion of the 2022 NFL draft. He made the Falcons’ initial 53-man roster out of training camp and delivered a memorable moment during the preseason, hauling in a game-winning touchdown catch against the Detroit Lions. On October 22, he was placed on injured reserve with a groin injury, and on May 22, 2023, he announced his retirement from the NFL.
On September 23, 2024, Bernhardt ended his retirement by signing with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and joining their practice roster. He was released by the Lions on May 14, 2025, paving the way for his return to professional lacrosse.
Denver Outlaws Era (2025–Present)
Bernhardt signed with the Denver Outlaws of the Premier Lacrosse League on June 3, 2025, marking his return to the sport he starred in during college. He transitioned back to the attack position and quickly became a contributor for the Outlaws, earning PLL First Team All-Pro honors in 2025. His combination of scoring instincts and football-style toughness has made him a valuable addition to the Denver roster.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Bernhardt’s career are his 2017 NCAA Division I national championship with Maryland, his 2021 Tewaaraton Award, and his role in Ferris State’s undefeated 2021 Division II football championship season. His preseason game-winning touchdown catch for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022 and his 2025 PLL First Team All-Pro selection further highlight his success across multiple sports.
Jared Bernhardt Career Wins
Jared Bernhardt’s career is distinguished by championship success across multiple sports. At the collegiate level, he won the 2017 NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse title with Maryland and the 2021 NCAA Division II Football Championship with Ferris State. Individually, he claimed the 2021 Tewaaraton Award and the Lt. Raymond Enners Award, recognizing him as the nation’s top collegiate lacrosse player.
PLL Highlights
In the Premier Lacrosse League, Bernhardt joined the Denver Outlaws in 2025 and quickly established himself as one of the league’s top attackmen. He earned PLL First Team All-Pro honors in 2025, a strong start to his professional lacrosse career.
Jared Bernhardt Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jared Bernhardt comes from a strong athletic and coaching family. His father, Jim Bernhardt, was a football coach at Hofstra, Brown, Central Florida, and Penn State, and later served as the director of football research for the Houston Texans. Two of Jared’s brothers, Jake and Jesse Bernhardt, are also involved in lacrosse coaching at the collegiate level.
Personal Life
Jared Bernhardt resides in the United States and continues to balance his professional lacrosse career with his role as director of player development for the University of Maryland men’s lacrosse team. His commitment to the sport and his alma mater reflects the deep influence of his family’s coaching background.
2025 Season Performance
Jared Bernhardt’s 2025 season has been highlighted by his successful transition back to professional lacrosse with the Denver Outlaws. After signing with the team on June 3, 2025, he quickly made an impact and earned PLL First Team All-Pro honors, signaling his place among the league’s elite attackmen. His scoring ability and football-honed toughness have given the Outlaws a dynamic offensive presence.
Earlier in 2025, Bernhardt was released by the BC Lions of the CFL on May 14, allowing him to refocus on lacrosse. The move to Denver has provided a fresh start and a chance to compete for a PLL championship. With his experience and versatility, Bernhardt is expected to remain a central figure for the Outlaws as the season progresses.