Badger of Honor
Fansided

Flashback: A Yom Kippur Running Diary

By Noah Seligman

DETROIT - 2006: Matt Bernstein of the Detroit Lions poses for his 2006 NFL headshot at photo day in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Getty Images)
DETROIT - 2006: Matt Bernstein of the Detroit Lions poses for his 2006 NFL headshot at photo day in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 1: Acting head coach Barry Alvarez of the Wisconsin Badgers looks on from the bench before the start of the Outback Bowl against the Auburn Tigers on January 1, 2015 during at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 1: Acting head coach Barry Alvarez of the Wisconsin Badgers looks on from the bench before the start of the Outback Bowl against the Auburn Tigers on January 1, 2015 during at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

The College Life

Berstein is a Scarsdale, New York native who excelled as a fullback tight end, and linebacker during his prep career.  He was recruited to Wisconsin as a fullback.  That turned out to be a great fit for the physical Wisconsin rushing offense.

What brought you to Wisconsin over other schools?

Wisconsin was such a gorgeous place when I came to visit.  Sitting on the Terrace with my parents and younger brother drinking a beer, because that’s the law, was too good to be true.  Also Wisconsin was recruiting me to play fullback unlike Syracuse that wanted me to play defensive line.  Also Jo Pa and the Penn State Nittany Lions actually passed on me so the payback was super sweet.

Bernstein played under Barry Alvarez during his time in Madison.  In fact, Bernstein’s senior year was Alvarez’ final full season on the sidelines for Wisconsin.  Alvarez of course had a couple cameo appearances during bowl games against recent head coaching turnover.

What was your impression of Barry Alvarez?

My impression of Barry “freakin'” Alvarez?  He is the Don of Wisconsin football.  This is probably the toughest question because he is such a special person.  He has an air of confidence that no one has.  He cares about his guys and coaches them hard to be the best they can be.  He is a fearless leader and overall just a great person