Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Jared Bernhardt joined the team as an undrafted rookie unlike anyone else on the roster. Bernhardt barely played college football, instead starring as a Lacrosse player for Maryland before playing one season at QB for Ferris State.
Despite the late start on his quest to be an NFL athlete, Bernhardt could be on the precipice of making the Falcons roster according to 92.9 The Game Falcons Reporter Joe Patrick.
"How early he was into the game on Monday, way earlier than in the Lions game, it was notable that he was in there before guys (Allison and Tate) we saw end up getting released by the Falcons yesterday," says Patrick. "He's a perfectionist and that's the kind of stuff that really endears him to a coach."
Bernhardt was a favorite at Falcons Training Camp not just because of his story but also due to his performance, but he took things to the next level by catching the game-winner in the first preseason game against Detroit.
Bernhardt showed that his 15 minutes of fame wasn't up yet in the second preseason game against the Jets when he led the team in receiving yards with 3 catches for 67 yards.
Bernhardt's dream became a little bit closer to reality when the Falcons, having to cut the roster down to 80, released WR's Geronimo Allison and Auden Tate on Tuesday afternoon.
Jared Bernhardt will have a few more chances to make positive impressions this week as the Falcons welcome the Jaguars in for joint practices before they face off in the final preseason game on Saturday.
To hear the entire interview with Joe Patrick, press play below: