JD Bertrand Bio
James David Bertrand, known professionally as JD Bertrand, is an American professional football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 5, 2000, in Alpharetta, Georgia, he joined the Falcons after a distinguished college career with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing approximately 229 pounds, Bertrand plays the linebacker position and has been a member of Atlanta’s roster since 2024.
Early Life and Background
James David Bertrand was born and raised in Alpharetta, Georgia. He attended Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in nearby Roswell, where he developed into one of the state’s most accomplished high school linebackers. During his time at Blessed Trinity, he played a central role on teams that won back-to-back Georgia Class AAAA State Championships in 2017 and 2018, establishing a reputation as a reliable tackler and team leader before he finished high school.
Coming out of high school, Bertrand was initially committed to play college football at the University of Georgia. He later changed his commitment to the University of Notre Dame, a decision that set the course for the rest of his playing career. His family background includes two older brothers, Chris and John Michael, the latter of whom plays baseball in the San Francisco Giants organization. Bertrand’s great-grandfather, Cecil Muellerleile, played football, coached, and served as the athletic director at Saint Louis University, giving the family a long connection to the sport.
Path to American Football
Bertrand’s path to American football’s highest level began with sustained success at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School. His play on championship teams drew attention from college recruiters, and his recruitment included an original commitment to Georgia before he flipped to Notre Dame. That switch positioned him within one of college football’s most tradition-rich programs and provided a stage on which to develop his skills as a linebacker.
At Notre Dame, Bertrand progressed steadily, eventually becoming one of the most respected defensive players in the program. His combination of tackling consistency, on-field leadership, and durability made him a candidate for an NFL opportunity by the end of his college career. The Atlanta Falcons selected him in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 143rd overall, marking his transition from college football to the professional ranks.
JD Bertrand Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Bertrand arrived at Notre Dame and, as a true freshman, played exclusively on special teams, appearing in four games during his first season. The role allowed him to adjust to the speed and complexity of the college game while contributing on coverage units. Although his statistical impact as a freshman was limited, the experience laid a foundation for expanded defensive responsibilities in subsequent seasons.
He continued to develop within the Notre Dame program, gradually earning a larger role on defense. His work on special teams and in practice helped position him for a starting opportunity, and he remained on the defensive depth chart as a dependable contributor throughout his first two college seasons.
Notre Dame Breakthrough (2021–2023)
In his junior season, Bertrand started all 13 games for the Fighting Irish and recorded 101 tackles, leading the Notre Dame defense. The performance marked his emergence as a full-time starter and a leading voice in the linebacker room. His production that season confirmed the progress he had shown in earlier years and established him as a player the defense could build around.
Bertrand was named a team captain for the 2022 season, an honor that reflected his standing among teammates and coaches. He finished the year with a team-leading 82 tackles, reinforcing his reputation for consistency against the run and in coverage. Across his time at Notre Dame, he became one of the program’s most recognizable defensive players, earning enough attention to enter the 2024 NFL Draft conversation.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2024–Present)
The Atlanta Falcons selected James David Bertrand in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 143rd overall. The pick added depth and special teams ability to Atlanta’s linebacker group, with Bertrand joining the roster as a developmental prospect with starting potential. He signed with the team and began his professional career during the 2024 season, working to translate his college production to the NFL level.
During his first NFL season, Bertrand contributed on defense and on special teams as he adjusted to the pace and complexity of professional football. His Notre Dame background as a high-volume tackler provided a basis for his role with the Falcons, and he continued to build on that foundation as a member of Atlanta’s linebacker corps.
Notable Events and Milestones
A defining milestone in Bertrand’s career came when he was selected 143rd overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2024 NFL Draft. Earlier, his leadership at Notre Dame was highlighted when he was named team captain for the 2022 season and led the Irish in tackles during both his junior and senior campaigns.
JD Bertrand Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
James David Bertrand grew up in a family with deep ties to athletics. His older brother, John Michael, plays baseball in the San Francisco Giants organization, while another brother, Chris, has been part of his support system throughout his playing career. The family’s athletic tradition extends further back: his great-grandfather, Cecil Muellerleile, played football, coached, and served as the athletic director at Saint Louis University, linking Bertrand to a multi-generational connection to sports.
Personal Life
Bertrand resides in the United States and maintains ties to his hometown of Alpharetta, Georgia. He is active on social media, where he is known by his public handles. Publicly available details about his personal relationships and marital status have not been confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, JD Bertrand continues his development with the Atlanta Falcons as a linebacker coming off his rookie year. The Falcons added him through the 2024 NFL Draft with the expectation that his college tackling production and special teams reliability would translate to the professional level. As he moves into his second professional season, he is positioned to compete for an expanded defensive role.
Bertrand’s primary focus in 2025 is converting his Notre Dame experience into consistent on-field performance for Atlanta. His ability to log tackles and contribute on special teams will be central to his role within the linebacker group, and the Falcons will look to him as a dependable contributor on early downs and in core special teams units. Continued growth in coverage assignments and run defense will shape his standing within the defensive rotation.
Looking ahead, the 2025 campaign represents an important step in establishing Bertrand’s long-term role with the Falcons. His combination of college pedigree, leadership experience as a former Notre Dame captain, and special teams value gives him a clear path to increased responsibility. If he continues his developmental trajectory, he is expected to remain a steady contributor within Atlanta’s linebacker corps.