Name: Bernardo Rodriguez
School: University of North Texas
Position: P/Holder
Height: 5-10
Weight: 193

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season? 

My greatest achievement wasn’t just about individual success, but about being a part of a team
that achieved something greater. My ultimate goal was to help my team reach our collective
goals by using my skills to the best of my ability. Together, we aimed to pin our opponents
inside their own 20, force as many fair catches as possible, and limit punt return yards.

By keeping our team goals in mind, I was able to contribute 20 punts pinned inside the 20, and
32 of my punts resulted in fair catches (60% of total punts), which contributed to our team’s
success in limiting punt return yards. In fact, we were even ranked among the top 10 teams in the
nation for punt return yards allowed, ranking 8th overall.

I strongly believe that individual goals are secondary to the success of the team. When we focus
too much on individual achievements, we can forget that we’re part of something bigger. We
need to put our egos aside and play for each other so that we can all be successful.

As a team, we identified our goals at the beginning of the season and worked together to achieve
them. We aimed to reach the conference championship and a bowl game, and through collective
hard work and determination, we were able to achieve both.

Because we worked together as a team, my teammates and I were able to not only achieve our
collective goals, but also our individual goals. I truly believe that individual success is a direct
result of collective work.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

I’m known among my coaches and teammates as a true team player. I’m always focused on
what’s best for the team, and I’m committed to giving my all to help us achieve our goals. I’m
dedicated, hard-working, and always striving to improve. Whether it’s pushing myself in training
or supporting my teammates, I’m always willing to go the extra mile.

What really sets me apart is my attitude. I’m coachable and always open to feedback, and I
approach every challenge with a positive and motivated mindset. I’m also incredibly resilient,
and I never give up, no matter how tough things get.

At the end of the day, I believe that success is a team effort. That’s why I’m always looking for
ways to help others and contribute to our collective success. Whether it’s on the field or off, I’ll always be a team player.

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

When it comes to studying film, I’m all about the details. I understand that in the kicking game,
every inch matters, and the smallest adjustments can make all the difference in the outcome of a
punt or field goal kick since I am a holder. That’s why I approach film study with laser-like
focus, honing in on even the tiniest details such as the angle of the ball, the position of my hands
and body, the direction of my eyes and head, and more.

By breaking down my technique and analyzing it from every angle, I can identify areas where
I’m excelling and areas where I need to improve. Once I’ve identified the perfect technique, I use
it as my benchmark and compare it to other clips to see where I might be deviating and what I
can do differently to achieve a better result.

I’m always striving for excellence, and I understand that the little details can make a big
difference in the outcome of a game. That’s why I’m dedicated to putting in the work and
analyzing my technique from every angle. By doing so, I know that I’ll be able to perform at my
best when it matters most.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position? 

What sets me apart from other prospects in my position is my versatility and overall athleticism.
I’ve played multiple positions on the football field, including Running Back and Returner, both at
the Texas 6A High School level and at the Division 1 FBS collegiate level at Kansas State
University for 2 years before transferring to North Texas.

But my athleticism doesn’t stop there. I’ve also excelled in other sports, including track and field,
where I competed in events like the pole vault, long jump, 100m, and 4x100m relay.

Being a multi-sport athlete has given me a unique set of skills and abilities that I bring to the
football field. I have a deep understanding of the game from different perspectives, and I’m able
to adapt to different situations and do different things with ease. My athleticism and versatility
make me a valuable asset to any team, and I’m always striving to use my skills to help my team
achieve success.

When it comes to being a well-rounded athlete, I know that the sky’s the limit. That’s why I’m
committed to working hard every day to continue improving and pushing myself to be the best
athlete I can be.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

To be the best, you have to train like the best. That’s why I approach my training and preparation
with a complete commitment to excellence. I know that in order to perform at the highest level, I
need to take care of my body and mind in every way possible.

It all starts with proper nutrition, rest, and recovery. I make sure to fuel my body with the
nutrients it needs and get enough sleep each night to be at my best. Additionally, I prioritize
daily treatment and flexibility work to keep my muscles in peak condition and minimize the risk
of injury.

But training is where the real work happens. Together with my punting coach, I’ve developed a
comprehensive program that focuses on weight training, speed work, and targeted punting drills.
This approach has allowed me to make significant progress in recent months and continually
improve my abilities.

I know that there are no shortcuts to success, and I’m willing to put in the work every day to
achieve my goals. Whether it’s hitting the weight room or perfecting my punting technique, I’m
dedicated to pushing myself to the limit and being the best punter I can be.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

I am continuously driven to elevate myself every day, in every aspect of my life. I approach
every moment as an opportunity to improve and grow, whether it’s on the field, in the classroom,
or in my personal life. My commitment to ongoing learning and self-improvement ensures that I
am always evolving and becoming a better version of myself.

I am not just a punter, but an all-around athlete who can adapt and excel in any situation. My
ability to analyze and perform under pressure sets me apart from others. You can trust me to
make plays when they matter the most, as I am dedicated to achieving success not just for
myself, but for my team as well.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

Growing up in Mexico City, achieving my dream of playing in the NFL seemed like an
impossible feat to many. But with grit, determination, and a lot of hard work, I’ve proven that
nothing is beyond reach. My family and I have faced countless challenges and overcome them
all, instilling in me the resilience and perseverance to never give up.

I’m here to show the NFL and other professional leagues that I’m ready to give my all, both on
and off the field. I’ll bring my best self to every game and every practice, and I’m committed to
constant growth and improvement. I’m excited to embrace the challenges that come with playing
at the highest level and to demonstrate that I have what it takes to succeed.