11/17/25 02:49:00
Printable Page
11/17 14:47 CST Ex-Browns QB Bernie Kosar has a liver transplant after more
than a year on the waiting list
Ex-Browns QB Bernie Kosar has a liver transplant after more than a year on the
waiting list
By JOE REEDY
AP Sports Writer
CLEVELAND (AP) --- Bernie Kosar received a liver transplant on Monday, more
than a year after being placed on the waiting list.
"Hey, I'm out and I'm feeling good. Just ready to enjoy the rest of the week
and the rest of our lives," the former Cleveland Browns and University of Miami
quarterback said in a brief video posted on social media following the surgery.
Kosar told Cleveland Magazine last year that he had been diagnosed with
cirrhosis of the liver and Parkinson's disease.
The 61-year-old from Youngstown recalled being bothered by liver-related issues
for years but brushed them off because he wasn't sure of the source. A
diagnosis of cirrhosis in late 2023 confirmed the specificity and severity of
his condition.
He went on the transplant waiting list last July. He was scheduled to receive a
liver transplant last weekend but said that it was delayed because the donor's
organ was infected.
During the past week, he has undergone five procedures to stop internal
bleeding.
Kosar played in the NFL for 12 seasons after leading Miami to its first
national championship during the 1983 season. He grew up rooting for the
Browns, who selected him in the 1985 NFL supplemental draft.
Kosar played for the Browns from 1985-93, leading the franchise to three AFC
championship game appearances (1986, '87 and '89), losing each time to the
Denver Broncos. Kosar is third all time in franchise history with 21,904
passing yards.
After being released by the Browns, Kosar joined the Dallas Cowboys for the
remainder of the 1993 season and got a Super Bowl ring. He then played for the
Miami Dolphins in 1994-96.
The Browns played a tribute video for Kosar before Sunday' game against the
Baltimore Ravens. Coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that he texted with Kosar
on Sunday night and wished him luck.
"Yeah, I mean, Bernie's my guy. I know that this town has such a special
relationship with Bernie from his playing days and then the impact that he's
had on this community over the course of all these years," Stefanski said. "I
didn't have that experience with Bernie prior to coming here, but since I've
been here, he has just been such a supportive person of me, so kind to my
family. I think he sees my family every game day and just is so good to them.
So, he's a special person. He's a special Cleveland Brown, and we are all
rooting for him and we are all right there with him right now."
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
|