Jets player Jarrick Bernard-Converse shifts focus to football now, planning for future as a veterinarian

Jarrick Bernard-Converse, a cornerback for the New York Jets, always had a deep passion for animals since he was a child. Hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana, he harbored dual dreams growing up: becoming a football player and a veterinarian. Enrolling in Oklahoma State’s pre-veterinary animal science program, he was one of the few athletes pursuing this path, and this unique combination led him to choose the university over other offers.

Transitioning from safety to cornerback during his college football career, Bernard-Converse graduated from Oklahoma State with a degree in pre-veterinary medicine in December 2021. He then transferred to LSU to utilize an additional year of football eligibility granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2023, he played a significant role in LSU’s victory over Purdue in the Citrus Bowl.

Despite being drafted by the Jets as a safety, Bernard-Converse was later encouraged by the coaching staff to transition to cornerback for added depth in the team. Embracing the change, he has shown promise during training camp, making notable plays and impressing teammates with his progress.

Focusing on the importance of precision, both on the football field and in veterinary medicine, Bernard-Converse plans to pursue veterinary school post his football career. His aspiration is to work with large farm animals like horses and cows, acknowledging the challenge but expressing confidence in his ability to succeed in this new venture in the future.