Germie Bernard is grateful for the time he spent in a Crimson Tide uniform under Kalen DeBoer, and Alabama football fans are grateful, too. The senior wide receiver admitted this to reporters following Alabama's crushing 38-3 defeat to Indiana in the 2026 Rose Bowl as his collegiate career came to a disappointing end on New Year's Day.
"It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made," Bernard said after the Rose Bowl. "I’m grateful that Coach DeBoer allowed me to have the opportunity to come back to Washington and then follow him here to the University of Alabama. He’s made a big impact on my life, and he’s helped me grow, not just as a football player but as a young man growing up in this crazy world. He has — he’s a great leader, and he’s only helped me elevate my career."
Germie Bernard praises Kalen DeBoer, Alabama after his final college game
This feeling of gratitude by Bernard comes nearly 23 months later after Alabama fans found themselves falling in love with Bernard's game entirely. That love affair first started when the Las Vegas native took a chance and followed his coach from Washington to Alabama in January 2024, when DeBoer took over for Nick Saban when he retired after 17 seasons.
That spring brought a lot of uncertainty and change for Bernard, but he quickly silenced all outside doubters when he emerged in Alabama's starting lineup to start the season. The 6-foot-1, 204-pounder would go on to lead all Tide receivers in receptions in 2024, reeling in 50 catches for 794 yards and three touchdowns.
Bernard followed up this act as a senior, becoming Alabama's no.1 wide out in 2025. He quickly became the catalyst of the Crimson Tide offense, racking up an additional 60 receptions and seven receiving touchdowns for 802 yards, while rushing two scores on 18 carries for 101 yards across 13 games. This on the field versatility, combined with Bernard's overall leadership and infectious personality is what Alabama fans will most about No.5 in Crimson.
Bernard now takes his talents to the professional ranks on Sundays in the NFL, finishing up his five-year collegiate career with over 151 total receptions, 2,143 receiving yards, 184 rushing yards on 36 rushing attempts, and 18 total touchdowns. The best is yet to come for Bernard, now being projected as an early Day Two talent ahead of April's 2026 NFL Draft.