Bernard is the first athlete to make an NFL roster from Rancho Buena Vista High School.

Bernard was a four-year letterman and three-year starter for the Lobos, playing under head coaches Dennis Franchione (1997) and Rocky Long (1998–2000).

Bernard finished his collegiate career with six interceptions and was selected to the All-Mountain West Team his junior and senior seasons.

He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts late 2001, and then sent to play for the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe.

Bernard's youngest brother, Wynton has played in Major League Baseball for the Colorado Rockies.

During the 2011 season of Family Feud, Bernard appeared as a contestant with his brother Wynton, with host Steve Harvey.