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Cleveland Browns legend Bernie Kosar received a new liver Monday after being on the transplant list for more than a year.
Kosar made the announcement in a video posted on his social media.
“Hey, I’m out and I’m feeling good. Just ready to enjoy the rest of the week and the rest of our lives,” he said.
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Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar waves during a Browns’ Alumni event before an NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
The transplant took place at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center in University Circle, UH spokesman Ansley Kelm said.
“The entire UH team has grown fond of Bernie, and we are amazed at the indomitable spirit Browns fans have known and loved for decades,” Kelm said. “As with all organ donations, we are humbled and honored by the generosity of the donor and their family. Due to confidentiality laws, we cannot provide further details about the donor.”
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 a liver transplant list. Doctors told the outlet that the NFL legend had shown signs of improvement after the diagnosis.
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar (19) in action against the Miami Dolphins at Joe Robbie Stadium on October 8, 1989. (USA Today Sports)
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 and won the Super Bowl at the end of the 1993 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.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday he texted Kosar to wish him luck.
“Yeah, I mean, Bernie’s my guy. I know this city has such a special relationship with Bernie from his playing days and then the impact he’s had on this community over all these years,” Stefanski said. “I didn’t have that experience with Bernie before I got here, but since I’ve been here, he’s just been such a supportive person of mine, so kind to my family.
Former NFL players Bernie Kosar, left, and Tom Brady, right, pose for a photo as they talk on the field during warmups before a football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
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“I think he sees my family every game day and is just so good to them. So he’s a special person. He’s a special Cleveland Brown and we’re all with him and we’re all with him right now.”
