American football legend Bernie Kosar has delivered a hopeful message from his hospital bed after successfully undergoing a life-saving liver transplant. The former Cleveland Browns quarterback, 61, shared the positive news in a video posted online, reassuring fans of his good spirits and recovery.
A Long-Awaited Procedure
The crucial operation took place early on Monday morning, marking a significant milestone in Kosar's challenging health journey. He had been waiting for the transplant since the beginning of 2024. Initially scheduled for Sunday, the procedure faced a last-minute delay before finally proceeding on Monday.
This surgery came after a particularly difficult period for the sports icon. Last week alone, Kosar underwent three separate operations to address internal bleeding and other complications as he waited for a suitable donor liver.
A Message of Hope from the Hospital
Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Kosar was quick to address his supporters after the surgery. In a clip shared on social media platform X, a smiling Kosar, wearing a hospital gown and propped up on a pillow, said, 'Hey, I'm out and I'm feeling good! Ready to enjoy the rest of the week and the rest of our lives! You matter.'
The video quickly went viral, drawing an outpouring of relief and support from Browns fans and the wider sports community. One fan exclaimed, 'There he is! Bern! Praise God,' while another celebrated, 'Love this, Bernie!!! Congratulations to the entire team, all the nurses & doctors, the donor, and Bernie!!!' A third supporter praised his courage, calling his openness during this challenging time a 'real inspiration.'
A Public Health Battle and a Positive Mindset
Kosar's health struggles became public knowledge last year when he revealed in an interview with Cleveland magazine that he had been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and Parkinson's disease.
Throughout his ordeal, the NFL star has been a vocal advocate for the power of positive thinking. 'I strongly believe in the power of positive thinking,' Kosar stated previously. 'For me, it’s not just a slogan. I believe that positive energy can be manifested in our brains, and I love to live in the space of positivity. I visualise good health.'
His illustrious career saw him lead the Cleveland Browns from 1985 to 1993, taking the team to three AFC Championship Games. With 21,904 passing yards, he ranks third in the franchise's history. After his time with the Browns, Kosar joined the Dallas Cowboys, earning a Super Bowl ring in 1993, before finishing his career with the Miami Dolphins.
More recently, Kosar found himself in the pop culture spotlight when he met music superstar Taylor Swift in October 2023. The pair posed for pictures at a pre-game gathering at the home of Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, Swift's then-new romantic interest. Reflecting on the encounter, Kosar praised Swift as a 'genuine, nice person,' adding that the day was a 'special time.'
