Good News: Bills LB Terrel Bernard Gets Engaged to High School Sweetheart
Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard is celebrating another significant moment in his life after a standout NFL season, as he recently got engaged. His partner of long standing, Tayler Timmons, shared the news on Instagram on March 29, displaying her engagement ring alongside Bernard. The announcement garnered well wishes from numerous teammates and their partners. Bernard’s exceptional performance during the past NFL season saw him excel as the starting middle linebacker for the Bills, filling the role left vacant by Tremaine Edmunds and solidifying his status as one of the top players in his position across the league.
Longtime Couple Planning to Walk the Aisle
TMZ highlighted the enduring relationship between Timmons and Bernard, which spans nearly a decade, beginning as high school sweethearts at La Porte High School before both attending Baylor University. Timmons, who holds a doctorate in physical therapy, maintains a strong presence at Bills games to support her now-fiancé. The couple has been seen together on the field, celebrating significant victories like the December 2022 win against the Miami Dolphins, which secured a playoff berth for the Bills. Timmons regularly shares images from various games, showcasing her enthusiastic support for Bernard from the stands.
Terrel Bernard’s Breakout Season
In his rookie season in 2022, Bernard played a limited role, starting just one game and tallying 22 tackles. However, he experienced a breakthrough in 2023, starting in all 17 games. During this remarkable season, he accumulated 143 tackles, 6.5 sacks, three interceptions, five passes defended, and three fumble recoveries.
During a February 27 appearance on One Bills Live, Bills head coach Sean McDermott highlighted Bernard’s rapid ascension to the starting middle linebacker position, despite lacking prior experience in that role. McDermott emphasized the challenges associated with the position, particularly the need for leadership, in addition to executing one’s duties on the field.
McDermott praised Bernard’s performance, noting his exceptional leadership qualities and citing a specific instance from a crucial game where Bernard took charge of the defense without needing instruction from the coaching staff. This act demonstrated Bernard’s maturity and earned the respect of his teammates, reflecting his growth as a young player and a key leader for the team.