Key Takeaways
- Laura, Terrel’s mother, is a registered nurse by profession.
- His grandfather, Ronnie Spain, who passed away in 2024, was constantly present at his games and practices.
- He grew up with five siblings and had a unique role as the middle child.
Terrel Bernard, the American professional NFL linebacker for the Buffalo Bills, was born to his mother, Laura Spain Bernard; his father’s identity has not been revealed.
Born on May 7, 1999, in La Porte, Texas, Terrel Bernard was raised by a single parent, his mother, a registered nurse at the Pacific Northwest Trinity Group.
Details about his father remain undisclosed, as Terrel has never mentioned him publicly.
From an early age, Terrel learned the importance of work ethic and responsibility, deeply influenced by his mother and grandfather.
His family, including his grandparents, played a pivotal role in his upbringing.
His grandmother, Brenda Spain, was especially impactful, documenting his early football career and helping him analyze his performance to improve his skills.
She once remarked on the family’s collective efforts:
We’d watch it over and over and over and Terell and Ronnie would go over and see what he did right what he did wrong what he needed to do what the other team was doing how he could improve you
Via YouTube
Terrel’s grandfather was a constant presence at his games and practices, providing support and guidance that helped shape his career.
This close-knit family environment extended to other relatives, including cousins and uncles, who nurtured his growth both in sports and academics.
Reflecting on this, Terrel said:
They were a huge part of my life uh since I was obviously a little kid
Via YouTube
Demise Of Grandfather
Tragically, on October 22, 2024, Terrel’s grandfather, Ronnie Spain, passed away due to dementia.
A few weeks later, Laura shared the news on her Facebook page.
Witnessing his grandfather’s battle with the disease, Terrel has committed to raising awareness about dementia and represents the Dementia Society of America on his cleats.
Terrel spent his early years with five siblings, and one of his brothers, Xavier Hayes, went on to become a football player.
Not much is known about his other four siblings.
When questioned about his experience growing up with five siblings, Terrel shared:
Yeah it was cool. I was right in the middle so I had younger and older siblings so I was getting picked on by my older brother and taking care of my little siblings as well. It was cool being in the middle and being able to see both sides of that
Via Thejetpress
Despite the attention from his NFL career, Terrel remains deeply connected to his roots.
He frequently visits his hometown and maintains close ties with the community that supported his journey from a small-town athlete to an NFL player.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Terrel Bernard graduated from La Porte High School.
- He was chosen by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 89th overall.
- He is married to his longtime girlfriend, Tayler Timmons.
