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Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar continues to face serious health issues.
On Wednesday, the Super Bowl winner confirmed that he underwent “two aggressive procedures” to address internal bleeding.
Kosar still needs a liver transplant, which has been postponed. A third operation is also on the horizon.
An infected donor organ caused the delay, Kosar said in a video posted on his X account. The 61-year-old is now asking for support.
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Former NFL quarterback Bernie Kosar on the field prior to a preseason game between the Washington Redskins and the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 8, 2019, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
“Grateful for all the thoughts and prayers. I’m in the hospital getting some care and keeping that fighter’s spirit strong,” Kosar wrote on X.
The Browns quoted tweeted Kosar’s post, writing, “Our thoughts and prayers are with you Bernie. We love you and are with you every step of the way. If anyone can stay strong through this, it’s you.”
“All the pressure right now, I could really use your love, support and actual prayers today,” Kosar said in the video as he sat in a hospital bed.
Kosar also mentioned Veterans Day and still selflessly shed light on his ongoing efforts to help others through his Kosar Wellness Foundation.
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“Yesterday was Veterans Day. And to be able to proudly, not only be able to help my former teammates and players, but proudly help our veterans and first responders who are in tragically more challenging situations than me. So, as bad as I am and as much help and support as I could use from you today, please support us and all the other people who have it worse.”
Bernie Kosar speaks on SiriusXM at Super Bowl LIX on February 5, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
Kosar told FOX 8 in Cleveland that his latest surgery was successful. “It went great,” Kosar said. “Now asking for a liver.”
Some of Kosar’s former teammates reached out with messages of support for the Browns’ big.
“BK, my prayers are with you,” former Browns running back Earnest Byner told the paper. “I have always respected and loved you.”
He added: “I want you to keep fighting. Keep your hopes up. Know that we love you. Know that I love you.”
In 2024, Kosar told Cleveland Magazine that he had learned he had been diagnosed with two conditions – cirrhosis and Parkinson’s disease. Kosar was placed on the liver transplant list. Doctors told the outlet that the NFL legend had shown signs of improvement after the diagnosis.
Chicago Bears defensive end Richard Dent (95) pursues Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar (19) during the Hall of Fame Game at Fawcett Stadium on August 4, 1990 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Images)
Kosar started his professional football career with the Browns in 1985. He spent nine seasons in Cleveland, leaving after appearing in seven games in 1993. Kosar finished the year with the Dallas Cowboys, winning Super Bowl XXVIII at the end of the season.
Kosar threw for 21,904 yards during his run with the Browns. He remains third on the Browns’ all-time passing yards list. Cleveland advanced to three AFC Championship Games with Kosar.
