Exclusive interview with Baylor LB Terrel Bernard: NY Jets interest, Senior Bowl, more

The highs and lows at Baylor

JF: "For sure, and Coach Rhule of course went on to have plenty of success at Baylor, now he's in the NFL. You also had plenty of success at Baylor, but you definitely experienced your fair share of highs and lows. From 1-2 win seasons to competing in the Sugar Bowl twice, winning it in your senior season, as well as winning the Big 12 Championship. It was almost like a culmination of everything you had done at Baylor. What did those moments mean to you? What did it mean to be able to go out on a high like that?"

TB: "It was awesome. It felt like all the work just came together. We were able to go on a run there at the end and finally finish the thing off right, winning the Big 12 and then the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. Like you said we had a few rough seasons at Baylor — rebuild seasons with new coaches. Tying it all together and being able to finish my last year on top was really special."

The importance of academics

JF: "Now I did want to congratulate you on getting your master's degree in sports management just a few months ago. I happen to have a bachelor's in sport management so you kind of one-upped me there. But it's not very often you see guys enter the NFL with a master's degree. What role have academics played in your life and do you see that as something that can help you with your career post-football?"

TB: "I appreciate it. Definitely. Going to college, obviously, I wanted to play football. But something even bigger than that was getting my degree, becoming better educated, and doing things outside of football because one day that's eventually going to end. So I wanted to make sure I spent my time wisely there. I was there for five years and I got my undergrad at the end of 2020. Fortunately, I was able to have enough time to get my master's right before I left in December. It was a great experience and I'm glad I was able to do that."

JF: "Yeah I did those 3.5-4 years and I was just like 'I've had enough of this, I'm good.' [laughs] But I respect how you were able to not only get your master's, but to do so while being an athlete in the Big 12. That's incredible."

TB: "I appreciate it."