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Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar continues to face serious health issues.
On Wednesday, the Super Bowl winner confirmed he underwent “two aggressive procedures” to treat 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 to his X account. The 61-year-old is now asking for support.
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Former NFL quarterback Bernie Kosar on the field before a preseason game between the Washington Redskins and the Cleveland Browns on August 8, 2019 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
“I am grateful for all the thoughts and prayers. I am in the hospital receiving treatment and keeping this fighter’s spirit strong,” Kosar wrote on X.
The Browns quoted Kosar’s message on Twitter and wrote, “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 duress right now, I could really use your love and support and real prayers today,” Kosar said in the video while sitting on a hospital bed.
Kosar also mentioned Veterans Day and always selflessly highlighted his continued efforts to help others through his Kosar Wellness Foundation.
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“Yesterday was Veterans Day. And being able to not only help my former teammates and players, but also proudly help our veterans and our first responders who are in tragically more difficult situations than I am. So even though I feel bad and as much help and support as I can use from you today, please support us and all the other people who are in a much worse situation than me.”
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 really well,” Kosar said. “Now I pray for a liver.”
Some of Kosar’s former teammates sent messages of support to the Browns great.
“BK, my prayers are with you,” former Browns running back Earnest Byner told the outlet. “I have always respected and loved you.”
He added: “I want you to keep fighting. Stay hopeful. Know that we love you. Know that I love you.”
In 2024, Kosar told Cleveland Magazine that he learned he had been diagnosed with two diseases: liver cirrhosis and Parkinson’s disease. Kosar was put on the liver transplant list. Doctors told the outlet that the NFL legend showed signs of improvement following the diagnosis.
Chicago Bears defensive end Richard Dent (95) chases down Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar (19) during the Hall of Fame game at Fawcett Stadium on August 4, 1990 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Imagn Images)
Kosar began 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 in third place on the Browns’ all-time passing yards list. Cleveland advanced to three AFC Championship Games with Kosar.
