Roderick Earl Bernstine (born February 8, 1965) is a former professional American football player who was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the 1st round (24th overall) of the 1987 NFL Draft. A 6'3", 235-lb. running back/tight end from Texas A&M, Bernstine played in 9 NFL seasons from 1987 to 1995. His best season as a pro came during the 1993 season as a member of the Denver Broncos when he rushed for 816 yards and caught 44 receptions. Due to a loophole in official NFL rules he was the only active running back allowed to wear the number 82 while playing for the San Diego Chargers, a number reserved for wide receivers and tight ends. Upon being traded to the Denver Broncos in 1993 he changed his number to 33, an official running back number.
| No. 82, 33 | |
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| Position: | Running back, tight end |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | (1965-02-08) February 8, 1965 (age 57) Fairfield, California |
| Height: | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight: | 238 lb (108 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Bryan (TX) |
| College: | Texas A&M |
| NFL Draft: | 1987 / Round: 1 / Pick: 24 |
| Career history | |
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| Career NFL statistics | |
| Player stats at NFL.com · PFR | |
Bernstine lettered at Texas A&M from 1983–86. Before his sophomore season at Texas A&M, Bernstine reacted negatively after then-A&M coach Jackie Sherrill told him that he was being moved to tight end, after playing a year at running back. As a senior, he made the first team All-SWC team at tight end.[1] He holds the school record for the most receptions in a single season.[2]
Bernstine and his ex-wife, Stephanie met at Bryan High School in Bryan, Texas. They began dating while both were students and Texas A&M University. They have two children. They all reside in the Denver, Colorado area.[3]
Bernstine's older brother Nehames "Pookie" Bernstine played baseball for Lewis-Clark College in Lewiston, Idaho. Pookie Bernstine was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 5th Round (118th overall) of the 1982 amateur entry draft (June-Reg).[4]
Bernstine's son, Roderick E. Bernstine, Jr., signed a letter of intent to play basketball for University of Denver in November 2012, but transferred to the University of North Dakota after only one season.[5] His nephew, Jordan, was a safety who formerly played for the Washington Redskins.[6]
1987 NFL Draft first-round selections | |
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Los Angeles Chargers first-round draft picks | |
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Formerly the San Diego Chargers (1961–2016) | |
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San Diego Chargers 1987 NFL draft selections | |
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