Kosar undergoes liver transplant; former Browns QB remains positive about recovery
Bernie Kosar, the former Cleveland Browns quarterback and University of Miami star, is recovering from liver transplant surgery amid serious health challenges.
Why it matters: Kosar's journey highlights the ongoing struggles faced by former athletes as they navigate life post-competitive sports while dealing with significant health issues. His resilience serves as an inspiration for many, especially within the football community.
Kosar, 61, has been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and Parkinson's disease. Recently, he underwent five procedures in just one week to manage internal bleeding, following a delay in receiving a healthy donor organ for his liver transplant.
By the numbers: In his 12 years in the NFL, Kosar made a significant impact:
- He led the University of Miami to its first national championship in 1983.
- Drafted by the Browns in the 1985 NFL supplemental draft, he accumulated 21,904 passing yards during his tenure, ranking third in franchise history.
- Kosar also led the Browns to three AFC Championship Game appearances in the late 1980s before winning a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys in 1993.
What’s new: Despite recent health obstacles, Kosar expressed optimism about his recovery.
- "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 stated, indicating a positive outlook.
Between the lines: His former team continues to rally around him during this challenging time.
- Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski remarked, "Bernie's my guy... he's a special person. He's a special Cleveland Brown, and we are all rooting for him and we are all right there with him right now."
What to watch: As Kosar embarks on his recovery, the response from the football community can shed light on how organizations and fans support former players facing health crises.
The bottom line: Kosar's experience serves as a reminder of the physical toll that professional sports can take, illuminating the need for continued dialogue about athlete health after retirement.
