Steelers Rookie Germie Bernard Aims to Shine Christ’s Light in Pittsburgh
The agile wide receiver Pittsburgh hopes will boost the Steelers’ scoring says he aims not only to fill that void, but also to share God’s Word in the gritty riverfront city.
Alabama’s Germie Bernard was selected in the second round in this year’s NFL draft after leading the team in receptions (64) and yards (862) and earning recognition as a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to college football’s top pass-catcher.
Bernard started for the Crimson Tide for two seasons and was a constant threat for opposing defenses – and the Steelers hope he brings that same spark.
The 6-foot-1 Bernard, though, says his identity is first and foremost not in football. Asked by a Steelers team reporter what he wants fans to know about him, he first referenced Christ.
Reporter: What do you want fans to know about you?
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) April 29, 2026
WR Germie Bernard: “First & foremost, I want people to know & understand that my identity is in [Jesus] Christ... I wanna bring that to the community.”
🎥: Pittsburgh Steelers YT pic.twitter.com/rdT7QTCy5B
“First and foremost, I want people to know and understand that my identity is in Christ and that is something that I believe in the most and something that I want people to see within me,” Bernard answered. “I want to bring that to the community and have an impact in any way I can through that.
“I know that this organization is going to get a selfless teammate – a guy that’s gonna do everything he can to help the team have success and win.”
Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio told Steelers.com he was impressed by Bernard’s “energy, his character, his makeup, who he is as a person.” Of course, Angelichio was intrigued by Bernard’s football skills – his versatility and ability to make clutch catches – but also believes the Alabama product can contribute to the team on the field and in the locker room.
“His passion, his faith, his commitment, those really stood out to me,” Angelichio said. “He's a strong-willed individual who has tremendous faith in his person and what he wants and what he looks for. So, I was really impressed with the maturity of how he looked at things.”
Bernard has been bold in his faith throughout his career.
After Alabama lost in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl, Bernard made it a point to thank Jesus, despite the loss.
“I just want to give glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – just for allowing us to have this opportunity, for allowing this team to be here together in California, to enjoy this moment,” Bernard told reporters at a news conference while sitting behind a podium.
“Even though it didn't go the way we wanted, it's still a lot to be grateful for … and I just want to give glory to Jesus Christ for this opportunity.”
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Photo Credit: ©Getty Images / Lauren Leigh Bacho / Contributor
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published April 30, 2026.
