Bernie Kosar Underwent Liver Transplant in Cleveland
The former Browns quarterback received a transplant on November 17, 2025, to address ongoing health challenges.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Do you trust that professional sports leagues provide sufficient long-term health support for retired athletes?
Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar underwent a liver transplant at University Hospitals on November 17, 2025. The procedure was required to treat cirrhosis, a condition occurring alongside his reported Parkinson's disease diagnosis.
Why it matters
Kosar has been public about his long-term battle with severe physical and neurological issues, providing insight into the health struggles faced by former professional football players.
Kosar has reported experiencing 15 seizures, including two that resulted in comas lasting 72 and 96 hours. His medical history includes over 40 surgeries and 80 broken bones sustained during his career and life.
The players
Bernie Kosar
He is a former professional football quarterback who played for the Cleveland Browns from 1985 until 1993.
University Hospitals
This is a hospital system based in Cleveland, Ohio, where Kosar underwent his liver transplant surgery.
Cleveland Browns
This is a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League.
The details
In addition to the transplant, Kosar has utilized regenerative medicine protocols such as gold serum to attempt to mitigate brain inflammation. He previously received a prognosis nine years ago that estimated he only had five years of remaining cognitive function.
Timeline
1985: Bernie Kosar was drafted by the Cleveland Browns.
1996: Bernie Kosar retired from the NFL.
December 2023: Kosar underwent a blood transfusion after a game against the New York Jets.
November 17, 2025: Kosar underwent a liver transplant.
August 2026: Kosar discussed his health protocols.
Season Trajectory
Kosar's public transparency follows a pattern set by the NFL's concussion and cognitive health research programs in highlighting the physical toll of a professional career. His experience adds to the ongoing dialogue about the long-term health legacy for former players in the league.
Readers observing the intersection of professional sports and health outcomes may note that Kosar's history of 80 broken bones and 15 seizures illustrates the extreme physical toll of his tenure as an NFL quarterback. His reliance on regenerative medicine protocols highlights a specialized path for managing long-term, post-career injuries.
The takeaway
Kosar's experience serves as a reminder of the significant, long-term health burdens that can persist for former professional athletes long after their retirement. His transparency underscores the importance of ongoing medical management for those navigating complex neurological and physical conditions.
Further reading
For more on the history of the franchise and its players, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EssentiallySports.
Live Poll
Do you trust that professional sports leagues provide sufficient long-term health support for retired athletes?
