Career
He is also an entrepreneur who co-founded both North Venture Partners and North Social. Incorporated. Magazine named Bernstein one of the most successful NFL players turned entrepreneur. Bernstein played high school football at The Blake School in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he competed in the Tri-Metro Conference.
After graduating, he played Division III college football at Colby College in Waterville, Maine in 1993.
In 1994, Bernstein transferred to Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts where he played three seasons of football. In his senior season in 1996, the Amherst College defense led the nation with the fewest points allowed per game (84).
Bernstein became only the fifth NFL player from Amherst College when he signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent following the 1997 NFL Draft. In 1997 he changed positions from defensive tackle to offensive guard.
During his four year NFL career he was a reserve offensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Atlanta Falcons.
In 2000 he suffered a career ending injury and was placed on injured reserve by the Atlanta Falcons. Bernstein began working in software and technology in 2001. In 2003, he co-founded and was executive vice president of Echo Networks, Incorporated., a digital media company funded by large retailers including Best Buy and Virgin.
In 2009, Bernstein partnered with Jim Kovach, Huntington Willard, and Pete Koch to found Athleticode, a genetic testing company based in Oakland, California.
That same year, Bernstein completed the executive education program on entrepreneurship at Harvard Business School. In 2010, he served as interim president for Athleticode, a genetic testing company based in Oakland, California.
That same year, Bernstein co-founded North Social, a marketing software company which was acquired by Vocus, Incorporated. in February 2011. In 2012, Bernstein was listed as one of the most successful professional athlete entrepreneurs by Incorporated.
Magazine, Consumer News and Business Channel, and The Huffington Post.