Former UNC running back Giovani Bernard–perhaps best known in Chapel Hill for his game-winning punt return against NC State in 2012–has quietly put together three straight seasons with over 1,000 total yards for the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals.

Not wanting to lose out on that production, the Bengals went ahead and inked Bernard to a three-year, $15.5 million extension on Wednesday which runs through 2019.

His contract was previously set to expire following the 2016 season.

Drafted 37th overall by Cincinnati in the 2013 NFL Draft, the 5-foot-9 Bernard has shown flashes of brilliance at the professional level. He has primarily been used over the past two seasons as the “speed” back in a rotation system with Jeremy Hill–who has a more powerful running style.

Each of Gio Bernard's two seasons at UNC ranked among the top eight on the school's single-season rushing list. (Getty Images)

Each of Gio Bernard’s two seasons at UNC ranked among the top eight on the school’s single-season rushing list. (Getty Images)

Bernard has run for 2,105 yards and 12 touchdowns thus far in his pro career. He’s also made a name for himself as a great pass-catcher out of the backfield–hauling in 148 passes for 1,335 yards and five scores.

Even though a concussion forced him out of the Bengals’ playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last January, it’s reasonable to suggest his durability has been his best attribute at the pro level.

In three full seasons, Bernard has missed just three games–an incredible statistic considering the punishment NFL running backs typically endure each week.

Although he spent just two seasons playing for the Tar Heels following his redshirt year, the native of Davie, Florida ran for over 1,200 yards in both campaigns.

His 1,253 rushing yards in 2011 ranks fourth in program history for a single season behind only Don McCauley (1,720 in 1970), Mike Voight (1,407 in 1976) and Elijah Hood (1,463 in 2015).

On top of that, he also ranks eighth on the list thanks to a 1,228-yard output in 2012.

By any measurement, though, Bernard is one of the best running backs to ever come through the UNC football program.

Wednesday’s news is just further proof that he’s been able to translate much of that success to the next level–something that’s much easier said than done.

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