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Alabama star wide receiver Germie Bernard closed what is likely the final postgame press conference of his college football career by invoking his faith and giving “glory to my Lord and Savior.”
The Crimson Tide suffered a crushing and lopsided loss to No. 1 Indiana in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl on Thursday. While there was little to be thankful for in the 38-3 run, Bernard felt differently.
Alabama Crimson Tide’s Germie Bernard (5) celebrates with fans after the 2025 College Football Playoff first round game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma on Dec. 19, 2025. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Oklahoma Sooners 34-24. (CFP/Getty Images)
“I just want to give glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for allowing us to have this opportunity, for allowing this team to be here together in California and enjoy this moment,” he said as the player portion of the presser was winding down.
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“Even though it didn’t go the way we wanted it to, there’s still a lot to be thankful for.”
Sitting with Alabama defensive lineman Tim Keenan III, Bernard continued to count his blessings.
“Guys like TK, he went through an injury and was able to play the whole season. Guys were able to play in this game that weren’t healthy all year and we were able to come off the field healthy. So that’s just a lot to be thankful for and I just want to give glory to Jesus Christ for this opportunity.”
Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) speaks at a news conference after the 2025 Rose Bowl, a College Football Playoff quarterfinal, against the Indiana Hoosiers at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
Bernard sat at the press conference wearing an eye mask with the words “Matthew 6:33,” referring to the Bible verse: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
INDIANA HANDS ALABAMA WORST POSTSEASON LOSS IN PROGRAM HISTORY IN ROSE BOWL BEATDOWN
Despite the team’s general lack of production on Thursday, Bernard led the offense with 60 receiving yards.
Bernard followed head coach Kalen DeBoer from Washington to Alabama, where he immediately took the field as a starter. In 2024, he led the team with 50 receptions for 794 yards and two touchdowns and followed that season with another stellar year, recording 64 receptions for 862 yards and seven touchdowns.
“It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made,” Bernard said Thursday of following DeBoer to Alabama. “It’s been a long journey for me and I’m just thankful that Coach DeBoer gave me the opportunity to first come back to Washington and then follow him here to the University of Alabama. He’s made a big impact on my life.”
Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) uses a stiff arm to break a tackle by Georgia defensive back KJ Bolden (4) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on December 6, 2025. (Gary Cosby Jr./Tuscaloosa News)
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Bernard is expected to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, where he will likely go in the early rounds.
