Giovani Bernard talks Bengals, Joe Burrow, jerseys, retirement with The Enquirer

Upcoming Ruler of the Jungle A.J. Green is not the only recently retired former Cincinnati Bengal returning to Paycor Stadium this Sunday.

Giovani Bernard, a Bengals running back for eight seasons from 2013-2020, will make his broadcasting debut for Sports USA Radio when the Baltimore Ravens visit Cincinnati. Bernard, who helped lead Cincinnati to three playoff appearances and a pair of division titles, ranks eighth all-time in Bengals history in rushing yards (3,697) and 10th in rushing touchdowns (22).

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Bernard, who retired in April after a 10-year career, followed former high school football teammate James White into the sports broadcasting world when his schedule opened up.

"Hopefully things go well," Bernard said. "I might as well give it a try. It'll be a fun new experience. Get the goosebumps, get the adrenaline going in a different way. So, it should be fun."

Bernard previews Bengals-Ravens

Bernard was on the sidelines for Lamar Jackson's Houdini-like spin move on a touchdown run in Cincinnati during his 2019 MVP season. Jackson is 6-1 lifetime against the Bengals.

"They (Cincinnati) need to win this game," Bernard said. "Not to silence the doubters, not any of that, but just for team morale. I think that's a big thing. When you go 0-2 in the division going into the season it's kind of tough. For them to win this game, it'll be a big help for them."

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Bernard saw promise in early years with Joe Burrow, Zac Taylor

Bernard's eighth and final season in Cincinnati was the start of the Joe Burrow era. The Bengals went just 2-6-1 before Burrow suffered a season-ending knee injury in a loss to Washington, but Bernard saw the franchise quarterback qualities in the rookie that made him hopeful for the future. Now, Burrow has led the Bengals to back-to-back division titles and a Super Bowl appearance.

"Those games in the early parts of that year, you could see the type of playmaker that he (Burrow) was and the type of leader he was," Bernard said. "Obviously now, you see what he's been able to do his first few years in the league. A guy I have a tremendous amount of respect for. To be able to bounce back from an injury like that; well-deserved contract extension, well-deserved with all the accolades he's received."

Bernard shares a similar respect for Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. Bernard played under Taylor for two losing seasons (6-25-1), but says the coach stuck to his philosophies.

"He didn't waiver from what he knew," Bernard said. "Especially having those first two years that were pretty rough. He came in every single day the exact same, ready to go, ready to help anybody out with whatever situation it was."

Bernard is working with the new Fanatics Sportsbook

Bernard is one of the news spokesmen for Fanatics Sportsbook, which went live in Ohio, Massachusetts, Maryland and Tennessee in August.

Fanatics Sportsbook is offering new customers in Ohio a reward credit to purchase team merchandise worth up to $150 when they place a single cash wager of $50 or more. The $150 merchandise credit can be spent on a jersey from any sport, any player and any league. Customers across the river in Kentucky can take advantage of the $150 Jersey Drop Promotion by signing up early before the Fanatics Sportsbook opens online in Kentucky at the end of September.

More: With sports betting opening soon in Kentucky, here's where you can bet and other key info

Whose jersey would Bernard get?

"It would have to be Joey B. (Burrow). I like Tee (Higgins), Tee's my guy. He has a new jersey. I know a lot of people have the (number) 85 from last year, now he has the 5."

Super Bowl prediction

Putting his analyst hat on, Bernard made a few predictions for the upcoming year.

AFC championship game: Bengals vs. Dolphins

NFC championship game: 49ers vs. Eagles

Super Bowl: Bengals over Eagles

Most Valuable Player: Jalen Hurts

Team to make playoffs that missed playoffs last year: Detroit Lions

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Giovani Bernard talks Bengals, Joe Burrow, broadcasting, jerseys