Uar Bernard, a defensive tackle from Kano, Nigeria, was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round (No. 251) in April 2026. His journey began in 2022 when he attended a basketball camp in Abuja that coincided with a flag football event hosted by The Uprise Agency, led by former New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora. Gym coach Dike Christian recognized Bernard’s athletic potential and encouraged him to pursue football.

Bernard excelled at the International Player Pathway pro day, recording a 4.63-second 40-yard dash, a 10-foot, 10-inch broad jump, and a 39-inch vertical jump—all records for players over 300 pounds. Defensive line coach Jovan Gopie praised him as 'Built by the gods, man.' Bernard overcame significant challenges, including hunger and self-doubt, with support from Musa Mustafa, who trains athletes in Abuja, and Christian. He made his NFL preseason debut against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 15, 2026, recording his first tackles a week later versus the New England Patriots.

Bernard expressed pride in representing Nigeria and credited his late father’s words for his perseverance. Musa and Christian developed 'The Trenches' training program in a public Abuja park, using a legendary tree for pass-rush and hand-combat drills, which has become worn from intense use.