JD Bertrand

James David Bertrand is an American professional football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Early life

Bertrand attended Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell, Georgia, winning back-to-back Georgia Class AAAA State Championships in 2017 and 2018. He committed to play college football at the University of Georgia before changing his commitment to the University of Notre Dame.

College career

As a true freshman, Bertrand played exclusively on special teams in four games. In his junior season, he started in all 13 games and recorded 101 tackles, leading the Irish defense. He was named a team captain for the 2022 season and finished the year with a team-leading 82 tackles.

Statistics

Professional career

The Atlanta Falcons selected Bertrand in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft, 143rd overall.

NFL career statistics

Personal life

Bertrand has two older brothers, Chris and John Michael, the latter of whom plays baseball in the San Francisco Giants organization. Their great-grandfather, Cecil Muellerleile, played football, coached, and served as the athletic director at Saint Louis University.