Home / Health / Cleveland Browns Legend Bernie Kosar Beats the Odds with Lifesaving Surgery
Cleveland Browns Legend Bernie Kosar Beats the Odds with Lifesaving Surgery
18 Nov
Summary
- Bernie Kosar receives liver transplant after over a year on waiting list
- Kosar diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and Parkinson's disease in 2023
- Kosar played for the Browns from 1985-1993, leading the team to 3 AFC championship games
In a remarkable turn of events, former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar has successfully undergone a liver transplant on November 13th, 2025, more than a year after being placed on the waiting list. The 61-year-old Kosar, who was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and Parkinson's disease in late 2023, is now on the road to recovery and eager to embrace the future.
Kosar, a beloved figure in Cleveland, played for the Browns from 1985 to 1993, leading the team to three AFC championship game appearances. Despite facing health challenges in recent years, Kosar remained positive and determined to overcome his condition. In a brief video posted on social media following the surgery, he expressed his gratitude, saying, "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 transplant process was not without its obstacles, as Kosar's initial surgery scheduled for last weekend was delayed due to the donor's organ being infected. During the past week, he has undergone five procedures to stop internal bleeding, demonstrating his resilience in the face of adversity.
As the Browns community rallies behind their former star, head coach Kevin Stefanski has been in close contact with Kosar, wishing him well and expressing the team's unwavering support. "Bernie's my guy," Stefanski said. "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."
