Jared Bernhardt is trading his NFL cleats for a lacrosse stick, heading back to the sport where he first made waves. As of 2025, Bernhardt will no longer be part of the National Football League; instead, he’s making a significant leap into the Premier Lacrosse League. With his move to the PLL, he joins the Denver Outlaws, adding to a roster that now boasts four of the last five Tewaaraton Award winners.
It’s a homecoming of sorts for Bernhardt, whose talent on the lacrosse field is nothing short of extraordinary. But the adjustment from the gridiron back to the lacrosse field isn’t just a return; it’s a chance to showcase his prowess at the highest level. Given his track record, there’s little doubt about his potential impact.
Taking a stroll down memory lane, Bernhardt’s collegiate lacrosse career was the stuff of legends. At Maryland, he became the all-time leader in points (290) and goals (202). As a freshman midfielder in 2017, he was part of the national championship-winning team. By 2021, he spearheaded Maryland to a near-perfect season, finishing 15-1 and earning the prestigious Tewaaraton Award for his efforts.
Bernhardt’s athletic journey didn’t stop there. He made a surprising pivot to football, transferring to Ferris State where he played quarterback. His adaptability and athleticism earned him a contract with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2022, a testament to his versatility. He played two games as a rookie before hanging up his football boots.
Now, Jared Bernhardt is making waves with his return to lacrosse. His signing with the Denver Outlaws marks another chapter in a career already filled with highlights. While he once flashed his talent on the NFL stage, scoring a preseason touchdown with the Falcons against the Detroit Lions, and even spending time in the CFL with the BC Lions, his heart and skills are fully invested back into lacrosse.
Reflecting on his decision to return to the sport he loves, Bernhardt told the Baltimore Sun he felt it was “the right move,” even as he acknowledges the speculation surrounding his choice. But for Bernhardt, this decision is about more than just staying at the top of his game—it’s about embracing the journey and the people met along the way.
His words, “I wouldn’t change it,” resonate with anyone who values the journey over the destination. It’s clear: for Jared Bernhardt, switching realms from professional football back to lacrosse isn’t just a professional decision; it’s personal. And as he re-enters the lacrosse world, fans can’t wait to see what he brings to the field with the Denver Outlaws.
