Bucs RB Gio Bernard retires

Bernard played for Tampa Bay for two years.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back [autotag]Giovani Bernard[/autotag] announced his retirement today after 10 years in the NFL. Bernard spent the last two seasons with the Bucs after spending nearly a decade with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Bernard signed with Tampa in 2021 following their Super Bowl LV win. Playing in 20 games during his Bucs run, Bernard only had 16 carries for 86 yards, but he was a valuable receiving weapon in 2021, catching 23 passes for 123 yards and three touchdowns.

At 31 years old, he was unlikely to re-sign with the Bucs this offseason. He finished both of the last two seasons on injured reserve and was well beyond his prime, as nearly all running backs are over the age of 30.

Despite being undersized at 5’9″ and 205 pounds, Bernard carved out a long and productive career in the NFL. The Bengals drafted Bernard in the second round of the 2013 draft. A talented dual threat, Bernard had over 1000 yards from scrimmage in each of his first three seasons.

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