This week, Chiefs Wire's Ed Easton Jr. spoke with Atlanta Falcons linebacker JD Bertrand.
In his interview with Easton Jr., Bertrand discussed his partnership with Guardian Sports and his recent donation of Guardian Caps to his alma mater, Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell, Georgia. He recalled mentorship from Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill.
"My rookie season, I actually had a head injury, and from that point forward, I actually met with the NFLPA and kind of asked about, hey, could you explain some of the research that happens behind the scenes?" said Bertrand. "And they explained the numbers to me. And at that point, I was like, hey, it seems like it can only help me. And so that was kind of where I started, and I've
been wearing it (Guardian Caps) since."
A former 5th-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Bertrand continues to show support for his alma mater, Notre Dame, whenever he has a chance.
"I went to Notre Dame, and I mean, I became such a Notre Dame fan, and so I'm rooting for them hard. They have unbelievable talent on defense," said Bertrand. "I'm sure they always have some talent on offense, and I can't wait to see it. I mean, I think they're going to be a real force this year, and I mean, I can't wait to see them."
Bertrand was a standout at Notre Dame, becoming team captain in 2022, and he looked up to program legends like Chiefs linebacker Tranquill.
"Yeah, so another guy that's on the Chiefs was Drue Tranquill, and I mean throughout my recruiting, I looked up to Drue Tranquill, just like how he carried himself, how he played the game, and I've gotten to know him pretty well in terms of just like when I've been at Notre Dame," said Bertrand, "I was never there with him, and then kind of just following his career in the league. And so I think starting with him, like he's just an unbelievable talent, unbelievable person, unbelievable family guy."
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This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: JD Bertrand recalls mentorship from Chiefs LB Drue Tranquill
