JD Bertrand Bio
James David Bertrand, known professionally as JD Bertrand, is an American professional football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish before being selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing approximately 230 pounds, Bertrand plays the linebacker position and wears jersey number 40 for the Falcons.
A native of Alpharetta, Georgia, Bertrand rose to prominence as a high school standout at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in nearby Roswell. His combination of physicality, football intelligence, and leadership earned him a place in the Notre Dame program and later an opportunity at the professional level with Atlanta.
Early Life and Background
James David Bertrand was born on May 5, 2000, in Alpharetta, Georgia, in the United States. He grew up in a competitive athletic family that nurtured his interest in sports from a young age. His upbringing in the Atlanta suburbs gave him early exposure to high-level football programs and a strong foundation in the game.
Bertrand attended Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell, Georgia, where he developed into one of the top linebacker prospects in the state. He was a key contributor on teams that won back-to-back Georgia Class AAAA State Championships in 2017 and 2018, showcasing his ability to perform on big stages. His high school success attracted attention from several major college football programs.
Originally, Bertrand committed to play college football at the University of Georgia before ultimately changing his commitment to the University of Notre Dame. This decision set the stage for his collegiate development and future professional career. His family background also includes a notable athletic lineage, with his great-grandfather Cecil Muellerleile having played football, coached, and served as the athletic director at Saint Louis University.
Path to American Football
Bertrand’s path to American football began in earnest at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School, where his leadership and tackling ability helped lead the Titans to consecutive state championships. Playing against top-tier Georgia high school competition, he earned a reputation as a disciplined and physical defender who could read offenses effectively and finish plays in the open field.
After initially committing to the University of Georgia, Bertrand flipped his commitment to the University of Notre Dame, choosing the Fighting Irish for the opportunity to compete in a tradition-rich program. He enrolled at Notre Dame in 2019 and joined a defensive unit known for producing NFL-caliber linebackers. The transition from Georgia high school football to the college level required adaptation to a faster, more complex scheme, and Bertrand accepted the challenge of earning playing time through special teams contributions.
During his time at Notre Dame, Bertrand steadily built his resume and earned the respect of his coaches and teammates. By his junior season, he had developed into one of the most reliable defenders on the roster, demonstrating the tackling consistency and field awareness that would later attract NFL scouts. His leadership qualities were recognized when he was named a team captain, signaling his arrival as a centerpiece of the Irish defense.
JD Bertrand Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Bertrand arrived at Notre Dame in 2019 and began his collegiate career as a true freshman. In his first season, he played exclusively on special teams, appearing in four games and contributing on coverage units. The experience provided valuable exposure to the speed and complexity of college football while allowing him to develop his fundamentals away from the spotlight.
As he progressed through his sophomore and junior seasons, Bertrand’s role expanded significantly. By his junior year, he had earned a starting position and started in all 13 games, recording 101 tackles and leading the Notre Dame defense. His production that season established him as one of the premier linebackers in the program and set the foundation for his captaincy the following year.
Notre Dame Captaincy and Senior Years (2022–2023)
Bertrand was named a team captain for the 2022 season, a reflection of his work ethic, consistency, and the trust he had earned from the coaching staff. He finished the year with a team-leading 82 tackles, reinforcing his status as the heart of the Irish defense. His ability to diagnose plays, communicate assignments, and deliver in key moments made him a stabilizing force on the field.
Across his time at Notre Dame from 2019 through 2023, Bertrand developed into a complete linebacker prospect. His combination of tackling volume, leadership experience, and durability drew attention from NFL evaluators preparing for the 2024 draft. He concluded his collegiate career as one of the most respected defenders in recent Notre Dame history.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2024–Present)
The Atlanta Falcons selected Bertrand in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 143rd overall, marking the start of his professional career. Joining an organization in the midst of a defensive rebuild, he earned a roster spot and the opportunity to contribute on defense and special teams. His transition to the NFL represented the realization of a goal he had pursued since his high school championship days in Georgia.
Through Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season, Bertrand had recorded 55 total tackles, 1 sack, and 1 pass deflection, demonstrating his ability to contribute as a tackling linebacker at the professional level. Wearing jersey number 40, he has settled into a role within Atlanta’s defensive rotation and continues to build his resume with each game.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the most significant milestones in Bertrand’s career are his back-to-back Georgia Class AAAA State Championships in 2017 and 2018 at Blessed Trinity, his selection as Notre Dame team captain in 2022, and his selection in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by his hometown-region Atlanta Falcons. Each milestone reflects a steady progression from local standout to professional athlete.
JD Bertrand Career Wins
While individual linebacker statistics differ from win totals in other positions, Bertrand’s career is marked by championship and production achievements at every level. He captured two Georgia high school state championships, earned captaincy at Notre Dame, and recorded 101 tackles in a junior season that led the Irish defense.
Notre Dame Highlights
Bertrand’s most notable college statistical achievement came during his junior season, when he recorded 101 tackles and started all 13 games. The following year, as team captain, he added 82 tackles and continued to lead the defense. His consistency as a tackler and communicator stood out across multiple seasons in South Bend.
Other Performances
At Blessed Trinity Catholic High School, Bertrand was a central figure on teams that won back-to-back Georgia Class AAAA State Championships in 2017 and 2018. His high school performance laid the groundwork for his recruitment to Notre Dame and his subsequent professional opportunity with the Atlanta Falcons.
JD Bertrand Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
Bertrand comes from an athletic family with a deep connection to sports. He has two older brothers, Chris and John Michael, the latter of whom plays baseball in the San Francisco Giants organization. Their great-grandfather, Cecil Muellerleile, played football, coached, and served as the athletic director at Saint Louis University, giving the family a multi-generational connection to athletics.
Personal Life
Bertrand grew up in Alpharetta, Georgia, and maintains ties to the region through his professional career with the Atlanta Falcons. He attended Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in nearby Roswell before continuing his education at the University of Notre Dame. He is active on social media under the handle associated with his name and continues to focus on his NFL career.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2025 NFL season, Bertrand has continued to build on his rookie year with the Atlanta Falcons. Through Week 14, he has recorded 55 total tackles, 1 sack, and 1 pass deflection, demonstrating consistency in his defensive role. His production reflects steady development as he gains experience within Atlanta’s defensive scheme.
As a young linebacker in the Falcons organization, Bertrand represents part of the team’s long-term defensive plan. His combination of special teams value, tackling reliability, and leadership background gives Atlanta a versatile contributor on game days. Coaches have leaned on his football IQ and durability as he logs snaps in multiple defensive situations.
Looking ahead, Bertrand’s continued growth in coverage assignments, run defense, and pass-rush situations will shape his trajectory within the organization. His early production suggests a foundation to build upon, and his work ethic, refined through years of high-level competition, positions him for an expanded role as his career progresses.