Fans Rally Around NFL Legend After His ‘Good News’ From Hospital Bed

Bernie Kosar’s life after football has been anything but easy. The former Cleveland Browns quarterback has suffered countless injuries over his career, including around 100 concussions and nearly 80 broken bones.
Last year, Kosar faced his toughest health challenge yet, a diagnosis of cirrhosis of the liver. Today, he’s sharing an encouraging update with supporters.
On social media, Kosar revealed he would undergo a liver transplant early on Monday, November 17. “Good news is in!!! We are set for 5 AM,” he wrote the day before his surgery. “Thank you all for the thoughts, prayers, and support — it truly means the world to me. U Matter.”
In 2024, Cleveland Magazine reported that Kosar, 61, was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, a condition in which scar tissue harms the liver’s ability to work. Kosar was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder.
He has been on the liver transplant list since late spring, and the procedure is a hopeful turning point in his journey. Earlier this month, Kosar shared that a previous donor organ was infected, delaying his transplant.
In the days leading up to the surgery, Kosar posted updates about several procedures to address internal bleeding. Thankfully, the football legend made it into surgery and shared a message with fans beforehand.
“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,” Kosar said from his hospital bed.
Fans sent in their prayers, leaving messages of support under his post. “Praying for a successful surgery and transplant. You got this! Looking forward to updates..get well soon Bernie!” one user wrote, while another added, “Good luck Bernie. It will change your life for the better. Throwing prayers and support your way.”
A third shared, “Bernie, you’re not at the 50-yard line anymore. You’re not even in the red zone. You are first and goal, running behind an angelic offensive line that doesn’t miss blocks … Finish the drive, brother. We’ll hold the line.”
Kosar spent 13 seasons in the NFL with the Browns, Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys. During his nine years in Cleveland (1985–1993), he led the team to three AFC Championship Game appearances.