Bernstein, Alex

Bernstein played at Amherst College before spending parts of three seasons with three different NFL teams: the Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, and Cleveland Browns. He never played in a regular season game.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. August 11, 1975

Career Highlights:
After a terrific high school career, Bernstein enrolled at Colby College (Maine) in 1993. The following year, he transfered to Amherst College and in three seasons, he totaled 129 tackles (18 for loss) and 6.5 sacks. As a senior in 1996, Bernstein won numerous awards (USA Division III Senior All-Star, NESCAC Defensive Player of the Year, NESCAC All-Academic, All-ECAC first-team, New England Football Writers All-New England, Gridiron Club Division II/III Defensive Player of the Year and AFCA Division II Coaches'' All-America) as he led Amherst to the NESCAC Championship.

An extremely strong man, Bernstein bench pressed well over 400 pounds, and was originally signed as a rookie free agent by the Baltimore Ravens in 1997. He remained on the Ravens' practice squad for most of the 1997 season, before being signed to the team's active roster in December. Alex started the 1998 season with Baltimore on the practice squad, but was signed by the New York Jets three games into the season. The Jets released him in August 1999, and he was signed by the Cleveland Browns the next day. After being released by the Browns, Bernstein was signed by the Atlanta Falcons for the 2000 season.

In training camp prior to the 2000 season, Bernstein was involved in a fight with defensive tackle Shane Dronett. Bernstein's jaw was broken and he was waived from the team one week after the incident. Bernstein filed a civil suit against Dronett charging him with assault and battery. He also sued the Falcons -- through the NFL Players Association -- claiming that he should have been placed on injured reserve for the season. Neither suit ever went to court; Bernstein was paid a settlement of $156,200.

Origin:
Edina, Minnesota

Career Dates:
Bernstein played guard at Amherst College from 1994-1996.

Physical description:
6'3", 325 pounds

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