One of the PLL’s highest-profile signings is complete, and in its wake, arguably the most star-studded offense in league history has been formed. Jared Bernhardt, the 2021 Tewaaraton Award winner, has signed with the Denver Outlaws in his return to lacrosse.

After winning the Tewaaraton and leading Maryland to Memorial Day weekend, Bernhardt pursued football. He earned an opportunity in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, scoring a touchdown in a preseason game against the Detroit Lions.

He found his way to the CFL with the BC Lions before ultimately making the decision to return to lacrosse this season, as first reported by ESPN’s Field Yates. After meeting with multiple teams, the Maryland legend ultimately decided to join the Outlaws.

From a glance, the connections to Denver are plentiful. Bernhardt played alongside new Outlaws teammates Logan Wisnauskas, Luke Wierman and Logan McNaney at Maryland, and Outlaws captain Jesse Bernhardt is his older brother.

With the signing, Denver now rosters four of the last five Tewaaraton Award winners: Bernhardt, Wisnauskas (‘22), Brennan O’Neill (‘23) and Pat Kavanagh (‘24). The latter three all started at attack for the Outlaws in last Friday’s season-opening loss to the California Redwoods.

Bernhardt will need time to reacclimate to the highest levels of lacrosse, but he’s undoubtedly one of the most talented players in the league. He ended his college career as Maryland’s all-time leader in points (290) and goals (202).

He won a national championship as a freshman midfielder in 2017, but he blossomed as a lead star in his next four seasons. It culminated in his senior season in 2021, during which he led Maryland to a dominant 15-1 season and won the Tewaaraton.

Bernhardt nearly hit the century mark for points, scoring 71 goals and dishing 28 assists for a Maryland team that came one game shy of another national title.

After his college lacrosse career came to a close, he played football at Division II Ferris State for one season, leading the team in passing and rushing yards as the starting quarterback. The Bulldogs went 14-0 and won a national championship.

In Denver, Bernhardt should have an easy reacclimation to the highest level of lacrosse. He’ll likely slot into the starting midfield line, where his elite speed can instantly create mismatches. The Outlaws will face the Carolina Chaos this Friday at 6 p.m. ET in Charlotte, where Bernhardt is expected to make his pro lacrosse debut.