He played college football at Tennessee, and originally signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2019.
The following year, in his final season, he started 8 games at safety, missing 4 with an injury, and again recording no interceptions (and only 1 pass defensed).
[4] Abernathy was graded by NFL analyst Lance Zierlein as a "priority free agent" prior to the draft, remarking that he had the requisite size, speed and athleticism across multiple secondary positions, but noted that he lacked awareness, instincts, and tackling ability expected.
[14] On August 10, 2022, the Green Bay Packers signed Abernathy following injuries to safeties Darnell Savage, Vernon Scott and Dallin Leavitt.
[15] Abernathy played well in his first pre-season appearance against the New Orleans Saints, recording an interception and a tackle for loss on a screen pass.
[18] He was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster and made his NFL debut in week one of the regular season, playing on six special teams snaps in the 7–23 loss to the Vikings.