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 best player. Following his lacrosse career, he played one season of college football as a quarterback at Ferris State. Bernhardt is also the director of player development for the University of Maryland men’s lacrosse team.
Early Life and Background
Jared Bernhardt was born in Longwood, Florida. He grew up in a sports-oriented family, with his father, Jim Bernhardt, serving as a football coach at various institutions including Hofstra, Brown, Central Florida, and Penn State. Jim Bernhardt was also the director of football research for the Houston Texans. Jared attended Lake Brantley High School, where he excelled in both football and lacrosse. In football, he played quarterback in a triple-option offense, achieving impressive statistics with 1,457 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, along with 751 passing yards and six touchdowns during his senior year. In lacrosse, he was recognized as an All-American midfielder and committed to play at the University of Maryland as a sophomore.
Path to Lacrosse
At the University of Maryland, Jared Bernhardt was a member of the men’s lacrosse team for five seasons. He made an immediate impact as a freshman, starting as a midfielder on the Terrapins’ 2017 national championship team. His senior season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he returned for a fifth season and won the Tewaaraton Award, solidifying his status as the nation’s best collegiate lacrosse player. Bernhardt left Maryland as the school’s all-time leader in goals and points, with 202 goals and 290 points.
Jared Bernhardt Career
Early Career (2017-2021)
Bernhardt’s early career was marked by his outstanding performance in college lacrosse, culminating in the national championship and his recognition as the Tewaaraton Award winner in 2021. His transition to football came after the death of his father in 2019, which prompted him to utilize the NCAA’s eligibility rules to play college football. He joined Ferris State as a graduate transfer and had a remarkable season, passing for 1,322 yards and 11 touchdowns while rushing for 1,421 yards and 26 touchdowns. His performance earned him the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year award as Ferris State won the NCAA Division II Football Championship.
Breakthrough (2022-2023)
After his successful college football season, Jared Bernhardt signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in April 2022. He made the team’s initial 53-man roster and had a notable moment with a game-winning touchdown catch during the preseason. However, his season was cut short due to a groin injury, leading to his placement on injured reserve. Bernhardt announced his retirement from the NFL on May 22, 2023, but returned to professional sports by signing with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League in September 2024.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his athletic career, Jared Bernhardt has achieved significant milestones, including winning the Tewaaraton Award and the NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse title. He has also been recognized as a PLL First Team All-Pro in 2025, highlighting his continued excellence in lacrosse.
Jared Bernhardt Award Nominations
Jared Bernhardt has received numerous nominations throughout his career, particularly for his outstanding contributions to collegiate lacrosse and his transition to professional football.
Jared Bernhardt Awards Won
Bernhardt has won several prestigious awards, including the Tewaaraton Award in 2021, which is given to the best collegiate lacrosse player in the United States, and the Lt. Raymond Enners Award in the same year. He was also part of the Maryland Terrapins team that won the NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse title in 2017.
Jared Bernhardt Family
Jared Bernhardt’s family has played a significant role in his athletic journey. His father, Jim Bernhardt, was a football coach and influenced Jared’s early interest in sports. The family has a strong athletic background, which has contributed to Jared’s success in both lacrosse and football.
Personal Life
Details about Jared Bernhardt’s personal life are limited, but he has shown a commitment to his athletic career and has taken on a coaching role at the University of Maryland. He is involved in player development, working alongside his brothers, who are also part of the coaching staff.