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Bernie Kosar is one of the greatest players to ever suit up for the Cleveland Browns, and the former quarterback is one of the most beloved figures in franchise history.
But recently, he has been dealing with two major health problems.
A few months ago, Kosar suffered liver failure and was placed on the liver transplant list. Though Dr. Anthony Post, a hepatologist for University Hospitals, says Kosar has improved lately, in all likelihood, the 60-year-old will eventually need a new liver.
Kosar has also revealed he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease earlier this year.
He took to Twitter to thank his doctors and fans for wishing him well.
Very Thankful for My Team of Doctors and Everyones Wishes. Thinking Positive Thoughts.#UMatter #CultureForGood @kosarcoffeehttps://t.co/ctrJexEdG8
— Bernie Kosar (@BernieKosarQB) July 9, 2024
Kosar was the No. 1 pick in the 1985 supplemental draft by the Browns, but despite some controversy about his entry into the draft, it took him just a couple of seasons to prove he belonged.
He was named to the Pro Bowl in 1987, and that year, he led Cleveland to its second straight trip to the AFC Championship Game.
Unfortunately, the Browns lost both trips to the conference championship game to the Denver Broncos. In the 1986 season, they were victimized by “The Drive” led by John Elway, and in the 1987 season, Cleveland running back Earnest Byner fumbled at the 2-yard line with just over a minute left and a chance to tie the game.
Kosar took the Browns to the AFC title game again in 1989, but this time, it wouldn’t even be competitive, and they fell yet again to the Broncos.
His career fizzled out in the early-to-mid 1990s, but Cleveland fans of a certain age will never forget his contributions.