Atlanta native JD Bertrand looks forward to ‘incredible opportunity’ to play for hometown Falcons

Instead of the Bertrand family walking more than 10 hours each Saturday to attend their college games, they can now make the short 45-minute trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sundays. That’s what excites Bertrand as he prepares to play for the team he grew up watching, and having his support system close by.

Although his hometown community helped him achieve his NFL draft goal, it also made Bertrand a leader.

Alongside football, Bertrand was also a boy scout. His mother helped orchestrate his Eagle Scout activities. At first, they simply prepared lunches at the local church, but activities soon expanded to a large book drive and feeding underserved communities in metro Atlanta.

“This is one of the occasions where I was able to be a real leader,” Bertrand said during his introductory press conference.

These skills partly helped Bertrand become the player he is today.

As the Falcons’ rookie minicamp began late last week, Raheem Morris and the staff were impressed with Bertrand’s consistent routine that usually takes time for rookies to develop. It’s something he learned from talking to NFL veterans while he was still in school.

Now, he will have the opportunity to learn alongside a room of experienced linebackers that includes Kaden Elliss, Troy Andersen and Nate Landman.

“It’s truly an incredible opportunity,” Bertrand said.