Enjoying with an NFL legend like Aaron Rodgers comes with loads of advantages, however Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Germie Bernard has revealed that it additionally comes with a major quantity of stress. Rodgers is demanding his younger receivers know the offense in and out, and Bernard defined simply how intense these weekly expectations might be.
Germie Bernard shares precisely how tough it’s to fulfill Aaron Rodgers requirements weekly https://t.co/0sI3CPrGHm
— SteelerNation (@steelernation) October 15, 2026
Bernard has shortly earned extra alternatives in Pittsburgh, however incomes Rodgers’ belief requires excess of merely making performs on Sundays. The rookie receiver is being examined all through the week, with Rodgers ensuring he’s fully ready for regardless of the protection may throw on the Steelers.
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Rodgers places Bernard by weekly interrogations
Sep 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws throughout the first quarter in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Barry Reeger-Imagn Photographs
Bernard appeared on the Christian Kuntz Podcast and described the best way Rodgers exams him throughout offensive conferences. The rookie stated Rodgers will immediately name on him and start firing questions in regards to the upcoming opponent.
“He interrogates me each single week,” Bernard stated.
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Based on Bernard, Rodgers will ask him to establish gamers on the opposing protection, clarify the defensive scheme, and recall particular performs from Pittsburgh’s sport plan. The report is that Rodgers commonly challenges Bernard on protection identification, defensive tendencies, and hand alerts.
That degree of preparation is strictly what Rodgers expects from the gamers round him. Bernard acknowledged that expertise alone is just not sufficient to succeed on the highest degree.
“Aaron Rodgers challenges me on a regular basis,” Bernard advised NFL.com. “That is the way you change into among the finest — the ball data.”
For a rookie, that may be a frightening duty. Bernard entered the season needing to be taught an NFL offense whereas additionally growing chemistry with a quarterback who has spent greater than 20 years mastering the place.
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Bernard is popping the stress into manufacturing
NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers
Oct 11, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers vast receiver Germie Bernard (17) carries the ball within the second half in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Photographs Credit score: IMAGN IMAGES by way of Reuters Join (Reuters)
The demanding surroundings seems to be paying off. Bernard acquired his first main alternative in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5 and responded with six receptions for 80 yards on 9 targets, all profession highs.
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One of the spectacular elements of that efficiency was how Rodgers continued trusting Bernard after the rookie dropped an early cross. Relatively than transferring away from him, Rodgers continued focusing on Bernard all through the sport, together with on essential third downs and a 25-yard reception on a scramble drill.
That belief might change into more and more essential for Pittsburgh. The Steelers are coping with accidents at vast receiver, with Michael Pittman Jr. on injured reserve and Roman Wilson additionally coping with an harm.
Bernard now seems prepared for a bigger function, and Rodgers’ demanding strategy could also be serving to speed up his growth.
For all the problem that comes with taking part in alongside a quarterback like Rodgers, Bernard clearly understands the larger image. The weekly interrogations should not merely about placing stress on a rookie. They’re designed to ensure Bernard is aware of precisely what he’s doing when Sunday arrives.
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