Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar is maintaining a hopeful attitude as he awaits a life-saving liver transplant. This comes after he has undergone more than seven surgeries and spent a week at University Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. His most recent scheduled transplant was canceled when the donor organ was discovered to be infected.
In a heartfelt update from his hospital room, Kosar shared his thoughts on resilience and the influence of his coaches. “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,” he stated. “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.”
Kosar’s medical team has been focused on addressing internal bleeding, a condition that necessitated multiple surgeries. He demonstrated the medical equipment surrounding him, sharing, “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.” Although the bleeding has slowed, Kosar remains in urgent need of a liver transplant. In addition to these health challenges, he has also been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Support for Kosar has poured in from various quarters, including Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who expressed his admiration for the former quarterback. “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 remarked.
Kosar hopes that his fighting spirit can motivate others facing health challenges. He emphasized the importance of health awareness, stating, “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. You matter! Let’s all have a winning day.”
As he continues to navigate these health battles, Kosar’s optimism and community support highlight his enduring legacy in Cleveland and beyond.
