The Philadelphia Eagles selected Nigerian defensive tackle Uar Bernard with the 251st overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. This is a late-round decision that seems informed by the star’s remarkable physical stats and could signal long-term upside for his new team.

Uar Bernard, 21, emerged from the NFL International Player Pathway Program, a pipeline designed to identify and develop elite talent outside the United States. He travelled to the draft alongside fellow international prospects between April 23 and 25, positioning himself within a cohort increasingly shaping the league’s global future. As previously reported, Bernard was mentioned in our story about Nigerian-born striker Max Iheanachor being drafted into the NFL, where he was listed among other Nigerian prospects to watch. This swift progression shows that the star’s journey is only just beginning, with a very bright future ahead.

Image Credit: Doug Benc – Associated Press

Bernard’s story is already being framed as an inspirational one that could encourage more athletes like him. He was raised in Unguwa Uku, a village of roughly 2,500 people in northern Nigeria, and his rise highlights both structural limitations and individual persistence. He worked part-time as a personal trainer to support his family, balancing financial responsibility with the demands of elite athletic development. His selection now opens the door to a potential NFL salary exceeding $2 million annually.

Physically, Bernard sits at the extreme end of the athletic spectrum, which supports his selection. At 6-foot-4 and 306 pounds, with just 6% body fat, his profile blends size with rare explosiveness. His performance metrics—4.63 seconds in the 40-yard dash, a 39-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot-10-inch broad jump—also underscore a level of athleticism typically reserved for far lighter players.

“There are very few people globally with his combination of size, speed and natural explosiveness,” said Osi Umenyiora in an interview with BBC Sport Africa. “In terms of pure physical talent, Uar sits right near the top among the athletes we’ve assessed through the programme.”