Cleveland Browns legend Bernie Kosar is back in the hospital, the 62-year-old quarterback announced on social media.
It’s the latest setback for Kosar in a months-long recovery from a life-saving liver transplant. Kosar did not specify what procedure he was undergoing but the update comes roughly six months after he received a liver transplant in November of 2025.
“Going a little too hard. Found my way back into the hospital,” Kosar said on social media. “Let’s get this procedure over with and have a winning day. See you next week. UMatter.”
The hospitalization came just days after Kosar attended the groundbreaking for the Browns’ new domed stadium in Brook Park on April 30. Prayers and well wishes for Kosar quickly rolled in through comments from fans.
“You look so much stronger and healthier. Good luck on your procedure. Praying,” one fan said.
“We are pulling for you, Bernie. Praying for you for a speedy recovery,” another added.
“Cleveland needs you ! You’re a true champion! Sending positive thoughts,” a third fan said.
Browns Legend Bernie Kosar Has Had Significant Health Issues
Kosar’s post-football life has been marked by a range of health challenges. He was sacked hundreds of times during his NFL career, contributing to a significant concussion history. He has also dealt with Parkinson’s disease and previously suffered a seizure at Chicago’s airport that resulted in a five-day coma.
Kosar was diagnosed with liver failure in 2024. His liver transplant was made possible by Bryce Dunlap, a 21-year-old Browns fan from North Olmsted who died from a medical emergency.
“It’s really a super blessing,” Kosar said, via Fox 8. “My thoughts and prayers are so with them right now. I can’t thank them enough. I am so thankful and blessed.”
Prior to the transplant, Kosar’s doctors described his condition as “incredibly, incredibly sick,” noting he had faced life-threatening bleeding complications requiring multiple interventions.
But even as he has navigated health troubles, Kosar has remained a visible and active presence across Cleveland’s sports community. That includes a recent appearance at TNA Wrestling’s Rebellion, as well as attending as an honored guest at a Cleveland Cavaliers playoff game.
Kosar earned his place as a Browns legend during nine seasons in Cleveland, from 1985 to 1993. He led the Browns to the playoffs five times and guided them to the doorstep of the Super Bowl in the AFC Championship Game in three of those seasons.
Though he never won a ring with the Browns, he was a member of the 1993 Dallas Cowboys team that won Super Bowl XXVIII. His heart always remained in Cleveland, and the city has never stopped claiming him as its own.
Browns Have Yet to Solve Quarterback Issues
Since 1999, the Browns have rolled through 42 starting quarterbacks — a carousel of draft misses, short-term fixes, and reclamation bets.
Their boldest swing came in 2022, when Cleveland shipped four draft picks — including three first-rounders — to the Houston Texans for Deshaun Watson. Four years later, that gamble has yielded just 19 starts. His run in Cleveland has been defined more by injuries, suspension, and inconsistency than anything close to the three-time Pro Bowler the franchise thought it was getting.
Now under first-year head coach Todd Monken, the Browns are trying to reset — again. Watson, coming off a twice-torn Achilles that wiped out his entire 2025 season, appears to have early momentum. He exited voluntary minicamp with an edge over second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders, according to Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com.
Dillon Gabriel and sixth-round rookie Taylen Green round out the quarterback room but are not considered serious candidates for the starting role.
Prayers Roll in for Browns Legend After Hospitalization