Jarrick Bernard-Converse Bio
Jarrick Bernard-Converse (born April 29, 2000) is an American professional football cornerback for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys and LSU Tigers. Bernard-Converse entered the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick in 2023 and has developed into a versatile defensive back known for his physical press coverage and special teams contributions.
Early Life and Background
Bernard-Converse was born on April 29, 2000, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he attended Evangel Christian Academy. During high school, he played both track and football, earning team captain honors in football. His athletic abilities were evident early, as he was ranked by 247Sports as the 88th-best safety recruit in the nation and the 47th-best player from the state of Louisiana.
Path to American Football
Bernard-Converse’s standout performance at Evangel Christian Academy attracted attention from multiple college programs. His combination of size, speed, and football intelligence made him an attractive prospect at the collegiate level. He ultimately chose to continue his football career at Oklahoma State University, where he began his journey toward professional football.
Jarrick Bernard-Converse Career
College Career at Oklahoma State (2018–2021)
Bernard-Converse saw immediate playing time as a true freshman at Oklahoma State in 2018, appearing in 13 games with nine starts. He recorded 59 tackles, which ranked fifth on the team, along with two sacks, two pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one interception. His productive debut season established him as a key contributor in the Cowboys secondary.
In 2019, he posted 54 tackles, including two tackles for loss, five pass breakups, 1.5 sacks, and one interception. His sophomore year showed continued development as a versatile defensive back. During the 2020 season, Bernard-Converse started all 11 games and recorded 32 tackles, leading all of Oklahoma State’s cornerbacks while tying for the team lead with seven pass breakups.
His senior season in 2021 proved to be his most impactful. He started all 14 games and was named first-team All-Big 12 after leading the team with 11 pass breakups. He additionally recorded 51 tackles on the year, cementing his status as one of the top cornerbacks in the conference.
College Career at LSU (2022)
After graduating from Oklahoma State, Bernard-Converse transferred to LSU for his final collegiate season in 2022. With the Tigers, he started nine of 13 games, tallying 44 tackles, three pass breakups, and two interceptions. His move to the SEC provided valuable experience against high-level competition and further refined his skills as a cornerback.
New York Jets (2023–2024)
Bernard-Converse entered the 2023 NFL Draft and was selected by the New York Jets in the sixth round with the 204th overall pick. The selection came on April 29, 2023, his birthday. He was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list to begin the 2023 season before being activated on October 24, 2023.
He made his NFL debut against the Buffalo Bills in Week 11 of the 2023 season, appearing on seven special teams snaps. His rookie campaign provided valuable learning experience as he adjusted to the professional level while contributing primarily on special teams.
Cleveland Browns (2025)
On August 26, 2025, Bernard-Converse was waived by the Jets as part of final roster cuts. He was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns the following day. He made five appearances for Cleveland, playing mainly on special teams. Bernard-Converse was waived by the Browns on October 27, 2025.
New York Giants (2025–Present)
On October 28, 2025, Bernard-Converse was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants. In four appearances for New York, he recorded four combined tackles. Bernard-Converse was waived by the Giants on December 13, 2025, and re-signed to the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on January 3, 2026.
Driving Style and Strengths
Bernard-Converse is known for his physical style of play and disruptive coverage skills. His 6-foot-1 frame allows him to match up against larger receivers in press coverage situations. His track background contributes to his recovery speed and ability to stay with receivers downfield. His football intelligence and versatility have enabled him to contribute effectively both in defensive sets and on special teams units throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Bernard-Converse’s signature career moments came when he was drafted on his 23rd birthday, making him a professional football player on the same date as his birth celebration. His First-team All-Big 12 selection in 2021 highlighted his elite playmaking ability, as he led Oklahoma State with 11 pass breakups that season. His ability to make a seamless transition to special teams has been a valuable asset throughout his NFL journey.
Jarrick Bernard-Converse Career Wins
Across his college and professional career, Bernard-Converse has accumulated significant statistics and achievements. His collegiate career at Oklahoma State and LSU provided a strong foundation for his professional development.
College Highlights
During his four years of college football, Bernard-Converse appeared in 52 games and made 41 starts, totaling 240 tackles, 17 pass breakups, and 4 interceptions. His First-team All-Big 12 recognition in 2021 stands as his most significant collegiate accolade, following a season where he led Oklahoma State with 11 pass breakups. He also earned team captain honors during his high school career at Evangel Christian Academy.
Other Wins and Performances
Bernard-Converse’s high school career at Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana, laid the groundwork for his future success. He was ranked as the 88th-best safety recruit in his class by 247Sports, demonstrating his potential early on. In the NFL, his contributions on special teams have allowed him to earn roster spots with multiple franchises.
Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Family information for Bernard-Converse is not extensively documented in public sources.
Personal Life
Bernard-Converse maintains a private personal life away from the football field. His athletic background includes experience in track and football, which has contributed to his speed and agility as a cornerback. He continues to pursue his professional football career with a focus on earning a consistent role in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a transitional year for Bernard-Converse in the NFL. After beginning the year with the New York Jets, he was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns in late August. He appeared in five games with Cleveland, primarily contributing on special teams before being waived in late October.
Bernard-Converse then joined the New York Giants after being claimed off waivers on October 28, 2025. He appeared in four games for the Giants, recording four combined tackles. He was waived by the Giants on December 13 but re-signed to the practice squad the same day. His promotion to the active roster on January 3, 2026, signaled the Giants’ confidence in his abilities heading into the 2026 season.