The Buffalo Bills are playing this weekend for a spot in the Super Bowl — their first since 1994 — thanks in large part to a Baylor Bear.

Barely three years removed from winning Sugar Bowl MVP after Baylor beat Ole Miss, two-time Baylor graduate Terrel Bernard (BSED ’20, MSED ’21) is now the Bills’ starting middle linebacker. Before this season began, Bernard’s teammates voted him one of two team captains (alongside All-Pro quarterback Josh Allen) — a huge sign of respect for a young player.

During the regular season, Bernard finished among Buffalo’s team leaders in interceptions (1st), tackles (2nd) and fumble recoveries (3rd). Then in last week’s AFC Divisional Playoffs, Bernard forced and recovered a key fourth-quarter fumble in the Bills’ 27-25 win over Baltimore. Interviewed on national TV after the game, he used his platform to “give all glory and honor to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior“:

If the Bills win Sunday, Bernard would become the 32nd different Bear all-time to make the Super Bowl, and it would make Super Bowl LIX the 29th title game since 1980 to include at least one Baylor alum. Tune in Sunday at 5:30 p.m. CT (Fox) to see what happens!

Sic ’em, Terrel Bernard and Baylor Football!