Germie Bernard’s first NFL jersey number comes with a fitting connection.
The Steelers rookie chose No. 17 in honor of his favorite receiver, Davante Adams. As fate would have it, Adams also happens to be one of Aaron Rodgers’ favorite targets—and teammates—of all time.
“I ain’t gonna lie, they had some weak numbers available,” Bernard said via Bigtime Talks with Johnathan Hankins. “Obviously I was five in college, but Jalen Ramsey, he’s got five, so yeah we not touching that. But they had 17 open, and one of my favorite receivers is Davante Adams…I’ve been watching his film for a long time. I don’t go on YouTube and watch his highlights, I go in the film room and watch his highlights. I watch games, like really dive deep into his game.”
Adams is widely considered one of the best and most technically sound route runners in NFL history. Some of that is his God-given ability, but he was also formed into that player by playing in Mike McCarthy’s offense with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback.
The fact that Bernard grew up watching all-22 coaches’ film on Adams is great news for the Steelers. Not only does that mean he is a student of the game, but he seeks to model his play after one of the best to ever do it. So much so that he took Adams’ number out of respect.
The last notable receiver to wear No. 17 in Pittsburgh was Mike Wallace from 2009 to 2012. Bernard doesn’t have that kind of speed, but his well-rounded game is reminiscent of what makes Adams so special. Coincidentally both were second-round picks in loaded WR classes.
Wearing the same number as Davante Adams is easy. Developing into the kind of receiver who earns Rodgers’ trust is the much bigger challenge.
When Aaron Rodgers looks down field to throw the ball, hopefully Bernard reminds him of Adams for more than just the No. 17 on his chest.
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