On the day one UNC football star is likely to hear his name called in the NFL Draft, another is walking away from the league. Former Carolina star running back Giovani Bernard, whose punt return touchdown against NC State in 2012 is one of the most famous plays in program history, announced his retirement on social media Friday.

“I’ve had the privilege of crossing paths with exceptional men and women, including my brothers on the field, coaches who’ve taught me so much, and front office/staff who worked behind the scenes to make it all seamless,” Bernard said. “I offer my deepest thanks to you all. You’ve allowed me and my family to be a part of something truly special.”

At Carolina, Bernard immediately had to overcome adversity, tearing his ACL during an early practice his freshman season. After recovering from the injury, Bernard won the starting job in 2011 and totaled 1,253 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns for the Tar Heels. He became the first UNC rusher to break the 1,000-yard plateau since 1997 and the first to rush for at least 100 yards in five straight games since 1984. The ACC honored Bernard and his comeback from the injury with the Brian Piccolo Award, given annually to the most courageous player in the conference.

The 2012 season would be Bernard’s finest as a Tar Heel. Despite playing in three fewer games, Bernard rushed for 1,228 yards and scored 12 more touchdowns on the ground, while adding 490 yards and five touchdowns through the air. And as UNC’s primary punt returner, Bernard averaged 16.4 yards per return and scored twice — including the climactic touchdown against the Wolfpack which broke a 35-35 tie in the final minute. That Carolina victory snapped a five-game losing streak to NC State, and Bernard’s touchdown is forever immortalized by a memorable call from play-by-play announcer Jones Angell.

Bernard earned first team All-ACC status for the second consecutive season and was named the 2012 ACC Offensive Player of the Year and a third team All-American.

The Cincinnati Bengals selected Bernard in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, and he spent eight seasons with the team and played at least 10 games in each. Bernard went on to play two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before Friday’s announcement.

 

Featured image via The Gaston Gazette

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