Steelers Rookie Germie Bernard Is Earning Aaron Rodgers’ Trust

Aug 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard (17) runs after a catch against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Steelers Rookie Germie Bernard Is Earning Aaron Rodgers’ Trust

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jobe Morrison | Last updated Oct 17, 2026 5:00 PM ET

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Rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard is working to earn Aaron Rodgers’ trust, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are beginning to see the results. Rodgers has challenged Bernard to learn the offense inside and out, frequently testing his knowledge of opposing defenses, schemes, and the game plan. The veteran quarterback’s demanding approach extends beyond the field, pushing the rookie to prepare at a high level and prove he can handle the mental demands of the NFL.

“Just learning as much as I can, getting him to trust me … He sees that I put in the work to prepare how I’m supposed to. He interrogates me every single week. Like literally, I swear it’s like an interrogation. We go into the offensive meeting, he’s like, ‘Germ, you’re up. Name the players on their defense, name the scheme on their defense, name these plays from the game plan.’ But what I’ve learned from that is he wants us to be prepared and know what we’re doing, what we’re going to see. I appreciate it,” Bernard said on the Christian Kuntz podcast.

Bernard’s preparation is starting to translate into production, giving him an opportunity to carve out a larger role in Pittsburgh’s offense. With injuries thinning the Steelers’ receiving corps, the rookie has a chance to build on his recent progress. However, earning consistent playing time requires more than making plays on Sundays. Bernard must continue to demonstrate that Rodgers can rely on him in critical situations, and his performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6 will offer another opportunity to strengthen that trust.

Early Tests Are Paying Off for the Rookie

So far, Rodgers’ tests are paying off, and Bernard is beginning to earn the quarterback’s trust. One could argue that the rookie has benefited from injuries thinning out the Steelers’ receiving corps. However, Rodgers has not been afraid to push for his preferred veterans to earn playing time. Bernard is making a case for himself through his preparation and on-field production, and he can build on that momentum in Week 6.

Against the Indianapolis Colts, Bernard recorded six receptions for 80 yards and added 39 yards after the catch. He also posted a receiving EPA of +2.2 and averaged 2.6 yards of separation per target. His performance was not perfect, as he and Rodgers failed to connect on a couple of plays, including a free play. Bernard could not reel in a deep pass downfield, but the Steelers still gained five yards when the Colts jumped offside.

On another play, Bernard and Rodgers showed they still have work to do to get on the same page during scramble drills. Rodgers offered the rookie pointers and coached him up in real time. Those moments are part of the learning process, and Bernard appears to be embracing them.

The rookie is earning Rodgers’ trust by showing up prepared, both in his understanding of the game plan and his willingness to handle pressure and accept tough coaching. As Bernard continues to develop that trust, he could become an increasingly important piece of Pittsburgh’s passing attack.

Will Bernard deliver another big performance in Week 6 against the Buccaneers as the Steelers look to improve to 4-2?

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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