Matthew Kambolambi Bergeron Bio
Matthew Kambolambi Bergeron is a Canadian professional football guard for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. Born in Victoriaville, Quebec, he became the first player from his hometown to be drafted into the NFL when the Falcons selected him in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Bergeron played college football at Syracuse University, where he developed from a freshman starter into an All-ACC performer and team captain before beginning his professional career in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Bergeron was born on February 26, 2000, in Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada. His father is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and his mother was born in Quebec. He grew up as a native French speaker and learned English while attending school. This bilingual background provided him with a strong foundation for adapting to new environments, a skill that would prove valuable later in his football career.
Bergeron attended Cégep de Thetford in Quebec, where he played gridiron football for their team. His performance at the collegiate level in Canada caught the attention of American college programs, ultimately leading him to pursue his football career south of the border at Syracuse University in New York.
Path to American Football
Bergeron enrolled at Syracuse University in 2019 and immediately made an impact as a freshman. He appeared in all 12 games that season, earning five starts at right tackle. His ability to adapt to the faster pace of American college football demonstrated his potential as a future professional player.
During his sophomore season in 2020, Bergeron continued his development by starting all 11 games for the Orange. He began the year at right tackle before transitioning to left tackle for the final eight games, showcasing his versatility along the offensive line. His performance earned him honorable mention All-ACC recognition in 2021. Entering his junior year in 2022, his teammates voted him as a team captain, reflecting the respect he had earned from coaches and players alike.
Matthew Kambolambi Bergeron Career
College Career (2019–2022)
Bergeron established himself as a reliable anchor on Syracuse’s offensive line during his four collegiate seasons. He appeared in 46 games overall, earning 39 starts between right tackle and left tackle positions. His flexibility to play both tackle spots made him a valuable asset for the Orange coaching staff.
His senior season in 2022 proved to be his most successful. As team captain, Bergeron led by example and earned second-team All-ACC honors. Following the college season, he participated in the 2023 Senior Bowl, where he shifted positions to play guard. This exposure to different line positions strengthened his draft stock heading into the NFL.
Atlanta Falcons Breakthrough (2023–Present)
The Atlanta Falcons selected Bergeron with the 38th overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He was also ranked as the top Canadian prospect ahead of the 2023 CFL Draft, though he ultimately chose to pursue his NFL career exclusively. Being the first NFL draftee from Victoriaville, Quebec, Bergeron carried significant regional pride into his professional career.
As a rookie during the 2023 season, Bergeron immediately earned a starting role. He started all 17 games at guard for the Falcons, demonstrating the consistency and reliability that franchises seek in early-round offensive linemen. His seamless transition from college tackle to professional guard highlighted his adaptability and football intelligence.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2023–Present)
Bergeron continued his progression into his second NFL season in 2024 and third season heading toward 2025. Through his first two seasons, he maintained his status as a consistent starter, appearing in and starting all 49 games for the Falcons through the 2024 season. His durability and consistent performance solidified his place in Atlanta’s offensive line rotation for years to come.
Driving Style and Strengths
Bergeron brings physicality and technique to the guard position in the NFL. His experience playing multiple offensive line positions in college translated effectively to his guard role with the Falcons. His understanding of blocking schemes and ability to read defensive alignments allow him to make quick identification of blitzes and stunts. His bilingual background contributes to his communication skills, which prove valuable in coordinating line protections.
Notable Events and Milestones
Bergeron achieved several milestones early in his career. Becoming the first player from Victoriaville, Quebec to be drafted into the NFL stands as his most significant accomplishment to date. Being selected 38th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft represented the culmination of his journey from Canadian gridiron football to Division I college football to professional competition. His rookie-season start of all 17 games established him as a foundational piece for Atlanta’s offensive line rebuild.
Matthew Kambolambi Bergeron Career Statistics
Bergeron has established himself as a durable and consistent offensive lineman through his first two NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. His ability to maintain his starting position from day one of his rookie year demonstrates the trust the coaching staff placed in his abilities.
Professional Highlights
Through the 2024 season, Bergeron has started all 49 games he has appeared in for the Atlanta Falcons. His rookie campaign in 2023 saw him start every game at the guard position, providing stability to an offensive line that protected the quarterback and opened running lanes. His continued starting role into his second season reinforced his value to the franchise’s long-term plans.
College Achievements
Before his NFL career, Bergeron earned second-team All-ACC honors during his senior season at Syracuse in 2022. He was named honorable mention All-ACC in 2021 and served as team captain during his junior year. Over four seasons at Syracuse, he accumulated 39 starts across 46 appearances, demonstrating the durability and consistency that would define his professional career.
| Competition Level | Games Started | Games Played |
|---|---|---|
| NFL (Atlanta Falcons 2023–2024) | 49 | 49 |
| College (Syracuse 2019–2022) | 39 | 46 |
Matthew Kambolambi Bergeron Family
Family Background
Bergeron was born to a father from the Democratic Republic of Congo and a mother who was born and raised in Quebec. This multicultural family background shaped his early years in Victoriaville, where he grew up speaking French as his primary language before learning English in school.
Personal Life
Bergeron graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in social work from the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. His educational background in social work reflects his interest in helping others and giving back to communities, values that guided his early life before and during his football career.
2025 Season Performance
Entering his third NFL season in 2025, Bergeron continues to serve as a starter on the Atlanta Falcons offensive line. His consistency and durability have made him a reliable presence in the middle of the line. Working alongside his fellow linemen, he contributes to both the passing game protection and the ground attack that the Falcons employ. His continued development in his third professional season positions him as an integral part of Atlanta’s offensive plans moving forward.