Eagles' rookie Uar Bernard: 'Not of this world' and only three years into football

Uar Bernard only took up American football three years ago. Fast forward to now, and the Philadelphia Eagles' seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is already making waves.

Here's more on the situation he calls "a dream come true," what he's working to improve, and why a teammate thinks Bernard is "not of this planet."

But first, Bernard's backstory

Bernard grew up in Unguwa Uku, a village of roughly 2,500 people in northern Nigeria, before his story took an incredible turn.

Spotted at an NFL camp by two-time Super Bowl winner and ambassador for NFL Africa, Osi Umenyiora, he was invited to the NFL's International Player Pathway Programme (IPP).

Ten weeks of training followed before a stellar performance at the HBCU Combine led to what many believed was impossible: a call from Eagles GM Howie Roseman on draft night.

Bernard's first impression of NFL life

Only six weeks into his new career, Bernard has shared his early impressions of what it means to be an NFL pro.

"I like it here. For real, it's more like a new thing to me, but I learn every day," a smiling Bernard said.

Philadelphia is Bernard's first time living outside Nigeria, and with his family back home, he's turned to his new teammates for help and support.

"I keep learning. My teammates are family for me. They are more like big brothers to me," Bernard said.

"On the field, I learn. Off the field, I can talk to my teammates. They are open to me to help me see what I can do better every day," he continued.

"I believe football is a learning process. If you work hard and you have a passion for what you do, you can progress every day. The process is going smoothly."

Mitchell Leff / Stringer

Bernard's plans ahead of training camp

Six weeks out from training camp, Bernard is already clear on how he wants to use his time.

"Working hard. Trying to improve every day, getting in contact with my teammates, my coach, getting every detail lined up," Bernard said of his plans through the break.

He's worked out fairly quickly what this level demands, and it comes down to where you put your attention.

"I hardly go out. I just focus on my playbook and my teammates," he said.

"Coming into the building is fun for me, and I love it here. I want to grow every day, so I keep my focus here," he continued. "Keeping the main thing, the main thing."

Bernard's biggest Eagles ally: Clint Hurtt

Defensive line coach Clint Hurtt was the one who pushed hardest for the pick, openly lobbying Roseman during Draft weekend, excited by Bernard's rare physical traits.

Not the only one blown away by Bernard's strength and athleticism, teammate Jordan Mailata said, "he's not of this planet."

Hurtt backed his initial conviction with extra coaching sessions and regular check-ins, and Bernard appreciates that focus, calling Hurtt "a father to me."

"Every advice he gives me is helpful to me," Bernard said. "He's a great coach. The D-line group, being one of the best D-line groups in the league, I'm just happy and grateful to be here."

The Eagles went into this with their eyes open, and Bernard hasn't seemed remotely fazed by any of it.