Giovani Bernard Wowed Former Bengals Coach Prior to 2013 NFL Draft
Giovani Bernard was an integral part of the Bengals playoff teams last decade. Cincinnati was hungry to find a reliable pass-catching running back to help boost the offense prior to the 2013 NFL Draft. Former Bengals' offensive coordinator Jay Gruden joined The Athletic Football Show this week and raved about Bernard as a prospect.
"We needed a third-down back badly. I couldn't take it any longer," Gruden said on the podcast. "Giovani Bernard, North Carolina, love the kid man, I mean unbelievable. You talk about a skill set that he had, his explosion, and catching the ball was effortless. One of the best kids I've ever been around."
Bernard was a poignant voice in the locker room throughout his time in Cincinnati. Including this past season when he stood on the table for head coach Zac Taylor and his staff. Gruden and the rest of the old regime knew they had their guy a few days after Bernard's visit.
"How many kids do this nowadays? [We] brought him in for a visit and met with all the coaches and Mr. [Mike] Brown," Gruden said. "He left and Mr. Brown gets a letter in the mail, from Giovani Bernard: Hey thank you Mr. Brown, it was a pleasure meeting you. How many guys take the time to write a handwritten letter to the owner? I don't even know if I know how to mail an envelope right now!"
Bernard rewarded the coaching staff's confidence with one of the most prolific rookie seasons in team history. He racked up 1,209 yards from scrimmage in 2013. Only Corey Dillion had more (1,388 yards).
In the end, Bernard concluded his Bengals tenure as their all-time leader in catches by a running back (342) and finished second behind James Brooks in running back receiving yards (2,867).
Bernard was also the Bengals Walter Payton Man of the Year award nominee in 2019. His foundation, The Bernard Family Foundation, helps build schools for children in need.
He'll try to shake off the playoff demons with the defending Super Bowl champion Buccaneers this fall. Checkout the entire interview with Gruden below.
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