For many, the transition to the NFL is one involving a relearning of the things that these players thought they knew. Entire concepts that were used in college are thrown out of the window: certain routes, progression patterns, snap counts, etc. Fundamental skills like ball security and tackling technique are changed when making it to the NFL, often because the level at which these skills were taught in high school and college is not up to the NFL standard. Many players struggle with grasping these new concepts and adjusting to the new style of play that is expected at the professional level. The fact is that for many of these players, people who have been around the sport of football for close to two decades, having to relearn the sport once making it to the pros is the hardest thing they will do in their career. 

 

Now, imagine having to learn these same things, having never played football before in your life. This bizarre scenario is Uar Bernard’s reality.

 

At 6 foot 4, 306 lbs, Uar was discovered via the NFL’s International Player Pathway. From a small village in Nigeria, Uar grew up playing soccer and basketball. Although flag football was introduced to Nigeria three years ago, American football has yet to become a real fixture in Nigeria’s athletic landscape. Uar’s journey to the NFL started on the basketball court. Once his raw athleticism was noticed by a coach who had a connection to the former NY Giant Osi Umenyiora, he was sent to Umenyiora’s football camp in Lagos. From there, Uar could not be ignored. Though possessing zero football experience or acumen, his athletic testing spoke for itself. Uar had 6 percent body fat on a 306-pound frame. He could broad jump 10 feet and 10 inches (14 inches further than any other DL at the combine this year). Uar paired this with a 4.63-second 40-yard dash. Aside from his jaw-dropping numbers, Uar aces the eye test. Rippling with muscles, Uar’s physique puts Myles Garrett to shame. After completing his IPP program, to no surprise, Uar was scouted extensively by multiple NFL teams. They didn’t seem to mind that he had literally zero experience with football. The Eagles certainly believed in what Uar could be, eventually investing a 7th-round pick in the young Nigerian.

 

If history is any indication, this was a match made in heaven. The Eagles employ the most successful graduate of the IPP in OT Jordan Mailata, the former Rugby pro from Australia. It is clear that the Eagles see the value in these international players and have a knack for understanding what untraditional skillsets and experiences will work well with their organization. 

 

Having put on a helmet for the first time only a few days ago, Uar’s football journey has only just begun. Don’t let this dissuade you; Uar has been preparing for this opportunity his whole life. His obvious physical gifts are only half of his story. Driven by a need to provide for his family and inspire the youth in his village back home, Uar’s mentality refuses to let him give up. His physical gifts got his foot in the door, but his drive is what will keep it there. This drive is what will keep Uar around in the NFL for a long time to come.