Former NFL quarterback Bernie Kosar has bravely disclosed his ongoing struggles with a multitude of health issues, including liver failure and Parkinson’s disease.
Now 60, the esteemed former player for the Cleveland Browns shared a candid account of his health journey, revealing that an ‘independent NFL doctor’ diagnosed him with Parkinson’s earlier this year, and he was subsequently placed on a liver transplant list.
Kosar recounted a particularly challenging moment during an appearance for the Browns at their December 28 game against the New York Jets, where he felt his ‘body gave out.’ He confided that he wasn’t sure he’d ‘make it home’ and soon after received a ‘massive blood transfusion’ that left doctors perplexed as to how he was still functioning.
Former NFL star Bernie Kosar bravely opens up about his health struggles, including liver failure and Parkinson’s disease.
Kosar’s health battles continued as, in January, doctors informed him of the likelihood he would need a new liver. His condition worsened during the Super Bowl festivities in Las Vegas, leading to a hospital stay. Through it all, Kosar persevered, and his doctor, Anthony Post, shared encouraging news of his improvement, acknowledging the fluctuating nature of liver disease.
Looking back, Kosar acknowledged that he had brushed off liver-related health issues for years, and his doctors are still unsure of the cause of his liver failure, noting an unusually high level of an organic solvent in his system.
Despite his retirement, Kosar remains an integral part of the NFL community, frequently attending games and Super Bowl events. His impact extends beyond the field, as evidenced by a memorable moment with pop star Taylor Swift before a 2023 game between the Chargers and Chiefs. Swift, the girlfriend of Chiefs star Travis Kelce, enjoyed Kosar’s company at a pre-game gathering, showcasing the crossover appeal of both figures.
Kosar’s illustrious NFL career included notable stints with the Cleveland Browns, where he led them to three AFC championship game appearances, and the Dallas Cowboys, where he won a Super Bowl as a backup quarterback. He concluded his career with the Miami Dolphins, retiring in 1996. Throughout his time in the league, Kosar endured numerous injuries, including broken bones, surgeries, seizures, and concussions.
