RELEASE — Irving, Texas — The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced today the finalists for the 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy®, college football's premier scholar-athlete award that annually recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. University of Notre Dame senior linebacker JD Bertrand was one of 16 finalists that will each receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2023 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments®.
JD Bertrand, LB – University of Notre Dame
3.62 GPA – Marketing
Head Coach: Marcus Freeman | Athletics Director: Jack Swarbrick
Faculty Athletics Representative: Patricia Bellia
Recipient of the James J. Campbell Scholar-Athlete Award,
Endowed by William V. Campbell
Highly intelligent, athletic and the field general of the Fighting Irish defense, JD Bertrand has led Notre Dame in tackles the last two seasons while racking up a 3.62 GPA as a marketing major. The Alpharetta, Georgia, native becomes Notre Dame's 19th NFF National Scholar Athlete.
Having graduated last December, Bertrand is currently pursuing his master's in business analytics. A member of the Dean's List, Bertrand was named to the prestigious Alpha Mu Alpha national marketing honor society.
The 2022 Notre Dame Defensive Player of the Year, Bertrand tallied 82 stops in 2022 and 101 during the 2021 season, finishing as the Irish's leading tackler both seasons. He had 8.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in 2022, adding to his seven TFLs and 1.5 sacks in 2021. The 6-foot-1, 233-pound Bertrand has 52 tackles this season and added 5.0 tackles for loss to his career total of 20.5. A fifth-year player, he has appeared in 45 games with 30 starts.
A two-year team captain who elevates everyone around him, Bertrand has played a key role in Notre Dame's 30-8 record the past three seasons, including a No. 18 ranking in 2022 and a win in the Gator Bowl; a No. 8 finish in 2021 and an appearance in the Fiesta Bowl; and a No. 5 ending in 2020 after an appearance in the College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl.
An Eagle Scout who was selected as a member of the 2022 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, Bertrand credits his mother for his commitment to community service. He has done extensive work with Uplifting Athletes, serving as the chapter president for two years and earning a spot on the organization's Rare Disease Champion Team in 2022. After the pandemic, he played a role in staging multiple events for the organization, raising more than $80,000. He donates part of his scholarship check and NIL earnings to charity, and he visits the Ronald McDonald House before every home game.
The 16 finalists were selected from a record number of 201 semifinalists nationwide from among all NCAA divisions and the NAIA.
The finalists will travel to the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for the 65th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 5, where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports.
During the event, one member of the class will be declared as the winner of the 34th Campbell Trophy® and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000. Click here for more information on the Awards Dinner, including options to purchase tickets online, special travel rates to the event from Delta Air Lines and room rates at the ARIA.
"We are extremely proud to announce the finalists for this year's Campbell Trophy®," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, whose sons Peyton (Campbell Trophy® recipient) and Eli were NFF National Scholar-Athletes in 1997 and 2003, respectively. "These young men have an unrelenting commitment to excellence in all aspects of their lives, and they represent all that is right in college football. As strong leaders in the vein of the trophy's namesake Bill Campbell, they all serve as living examples that the 'Future For Football' is bright. We are excited to honor their hard work and outstanding leadership with postgraduate scholarships."
Submitted by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, candidates for the Campbell Trophy® must be either a senior player who will complete his final year of eligibility during the 2023 season or be a graduated player who has been enrolled in school at least three (3) years (even if he has remaining eligibility); must have minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale; must have outstanding football ability as a starter/significant contributor; and must have exhibited exemplary leadership on the field, in the classroom and within the community.
"The NFF Awards Committee did an excellent job in selecting this year's National Scholar-Athletes," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "Chosen from a record-breaking number of semifinalists, the finalists have undoubtedly distinguished themselves as some of the best student-athletes in the country. Each of these men is a leader on and off the field, and we know that they have only begun to reach their potential."
The trophy is named in honor of the late Bill Campbell, an All-Ivy League player and the captain of Columbia's 1961 Ivy League championship team who found his true calling after an unlikely career change at age 39 from Columbia football coach to advertising executive. His ability to recruit, develop and manage talented executives – all lessons learned on the gridiron – proved to be a critical component of his ability to inspire his business teams to the highest levels of success.
Following the 65th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas, the recipient of the 2023 Campbell Trophy® will be honored at several other prestigious events. On Thursday, Dec. 7, he will be interviewed live during the "The Home Depot College Football Awards" on ESPN. On Sunday, Dec. 10, he will sit on the dais during the Heisman Trophy dinner. Then on Monday, Dec. 11, a reception will be held in his honor at the New York Athletic Club (NYAC), the official home of the trophy since 2013.
Launched in 1959, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments celebrate their 65th year in 2023. The awards were the first initiative in history to grant postgraduate scholarships based on both a player's academic and athletic accomplishments. Since 2011, Fidelity Investments, a leading provider of workplace savings plans in higher education, has served as the presenting sponsor of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards.
