NFL legend Bernie Kosar has undergone a crucial liver transplant, marking a significant victory in his ongoing health battle. The former Cleveland Browns quarterback, 61, shared the news in an emotional social media post from his hospital bed in the early hours of Monday morning.
A Long-Awaited Procedure
The transplant came after a period of intense medical intervention for Kosar, who had three separate operations last week alone to address internal bleeding as he waited for a suitable donor organ. He had been on the transplant list since the beginning of 2024. Initially scheduled for Sunday afternoon, the procedure experienced a brief delay before finally receiving the green light late on Sunday evening.
In a video posted at 4:23 AM from University Hospital, a reflective but positive Kosar told his followers, "It may not be victory Monday on the football field but here we are, it's 4:23 in the morning, university hospital, it's absolutely victory Monday for me." He confirmed he was "literally heading on down right now to get that liver transplant," expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from his family and fans.
A Public Health Battle
Kosar's health struggles have been public knowledge since last year, when he revealed in an interview with Cleveland magazine that he had been diagnosed with both cirrhosis of the liver and Parkinson's disease. Throughout his ordeal, he 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 visualize good health." This mindset was evident in his pre-surgery message, where he encouraged his followers to stay tuned for more updates.
A Storied Career and Recent Spotlight
Bernie Kosar is a revered figure in American football, particularly in Cleveland, where he played for the Browns from 1985 to 1993. He led the franchise to three AFC Championship Game appearances and remains third in franchise history with an impressive 21,904 passing yards. After his time with the Browns, he joined the Dallas Cowboys, earning a Super Bowl ring for the 1993 season, 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 gathered for a pre-game event at the home of Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, with Kosar later praising Swift as a "genuine, nice person." The encounter cemented his unexpected place within the singer's vast fanbase.
As he recovers from this transformative surgery, the sports world and his legion of fans continue to offer their support, hoping for a full and speedy recovery for the football great.
