CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Browns legend Bernie Kosar is maintaining a positive outlook as he waits for a life-saving liver transplant following more than half a dozen surgeries and a week-long hospital stay.
The former Cleveland Browns quarterback provided an update from his room at University Hospital, where he remains after a scheduled liver transplant last weekend was canceled when the donor organ was found to be infected.
“I can’t wake up without thinking of some of the great words of some of my awesome coaches, like Coach Howard Schnellenberger and Coach Don Shula,” Kosar said. “They used to say how you do little things is how you do all things, and each day when you wake up you never stay the same. You get better or worse.”
Medical challenges continue
Kosar’s doctors have been working to stop internal bleeding, which required seven surgeries. The beloved quarterback showed the medical equipment surrounding him during his update.
“You can see all the IVs behind me. Left hand all really loaded up with a couple IVs and a midline. Getting ready to attack the day,” he said.
Kosar said the bleeding has slowed down, but he still needs the liver transplant. He has also been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Community support grows
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine joined others in expressing support for Kosar’s recovery.
“Well Bernie we love you, and we just pray for you and hope you get better. You’ve given back so much to the Cleveland area and to Youngstown and really the whole world, and you’re someone who’s very, very special,” DeWine said.
Kosar hopes his fighting spirit will inspire others and emphasized the importance of taking care of your health.
“I wake up early and I make the conscious decision each and every day to be better, especially to all the people, families and communities who we’re able to touch in the course of our day,” he said. “You matter! Let’s all have a winning day.”
Copyright 2025 WOIO. All rights reserved.
