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‘That’s Special’ — Ben Roethlisberger Predicts Germie Bernard Will Bring Big-Time Excitement to Steelers
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- ‘That’s Special’ — Ben Roethlisberger Predicts Germie Bernard Will Bring Big-Time Excitement to Steelers
Germie Bernard did not need a huge workload to make a huge impression. One play in the Pittsburgh Steelers ' preseason finale was enough to show the exact traits Ben Roethlisberger believes that can make the rookie a problem for defenses this season.
Bernard turned a short-field opportunity into his first preseason touchdown on Thursday, Aug. 27, and Roethlisberger took notice. The Steelers legend pointed to Bernard's quickness, tackle-breaking ability and explosiveness as reasons the Steelers fans should be excited.
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Germie Bernard Gives Pittsburgh Steelers Another Reason To Believe
March 25, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Wide receiver Germie Bernard stretches during Pro Day in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Alabama.
Roethlisberger's prediction comes after Bernard made his biggest preseason splash yet. Following the Buffalo Bills muffed punt, the Steelers took possession at the Bills' 13-yard line. Will Howard immediately found Bernard on the right side, and the rookie broke a tackle before racing into the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown.
The play itself was simple. That burst is exactly what Roethlisberger sees translating to the regular season. The former Steelers quarterback believes Bernard has the combination of shiftiness, speed and contact balance to turn relatively modest opportunities into explosive plays.
"Let's talk about Germie Bernard. That's special. That's what I think you're gonna see from him this year, and I think that should excite a lot of people, because of what he has and that potential for the shifty, break a tackle, fast enough, quick enough, get in the end zone. There's gonna be a lot of excitement there."
That endorsement carries some weight because Bernard is not entering the Steelers receiver room as a finished product. He is a rookie who still has to carve out his role; however, the second-round pick has already shown enough flashes to make the Steelers curious about how much they can put on his plate.
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And that touchdown highlighted a particularly useful skill set. Bernard did not need a perfectly designed deep shot to make an impact. He caught the ball underneath, created separation, absorbed contact, and finished the play. That kind of juice can give an offense another dimension.
The timing also matters. The Steelers' preseason finale was Bernard's final opportunity to m ake an impression before the regular-season roster takes shape. One reception may not tell the entire story, but the way he created the touchdown gave the coaching staff another reason to trust his playmaking ability.
Roethlisberger also believes Bernard has enough physical talent to become a genuine source of excitement rather than merely a rotational rookie. If that prediction hits, Pittsburgh could have another young weapon capable of changing a drive with one touch.
For now, Bernard still has to earn those opportunities; however, after one explosive touchdown and a strong endorsement from one of the franchise's biggest names, the rookie has given Steelers fans plenty to watch for when the real games begin.
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The post 'That's Special' — Ben Roethlisberger Predicts Germie Bernard Will Bring Big-Time Excitement to Steelers appeared first on Gridiron Heroics .
