The Cleveland Browns organization and the city are sending their full support to legendary quarterback Bernie Kosar, who had a liver transplant on Monday, November 17, 2025. Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski spoke publicly about the news, making it clear that everyone on the team is thinking of Bernie.

Stefanski shared that he had exchanged texts with Kosar the night before, calling the former player “his guy” and highlighting the special connection Kosar has with the city of Cleveland. This sentiment was reported by Cleveland 19 News reporter Ashley Holder on her social media handle X as she quoted Stefanski.

“He’s a special person. He’s a special Cleveland Brown.”

Kosar is a huge name in Cleveland sports history. He played for the Browns from 1985 to 1993, leading the team to three different AFC Championship games. Over his career with the team, he was a solid quarterback, completing about 60% of his passes and throwing for over 21,904 yards and 116 touchdowns.

Stefanski’s heartfelt comments emphasize that Kosar isn’t just remembered for his stats and games; he’s still a deeply loved and important part of the entire Cleveland community. Especially during such a time when he has already had five procedures to prepare himself for the final transplant.

As Kosar prepares to get a new liver, the whole Browns and NFL community prays for the safe and healthy recovery of the legend.

Bernie Kosar leaves a message for his fans before the surgery

Great news for Bernie Kosar! The former University of Miami and Cleveland Browns quarterback successfully underwent a liver transplant surgery on Monday morning. Kosar had actually shared the news himself on Sunday night, posting on social media that his surgery was finally scheduled. In the video message, he said,

“It might not be Victory Monday on the field, but it is a Victory Monday for me at UH [University Hospital] as I head into surgery today,” the 61-year-old Kosar wrote. “I can’t thank you all enough for the love and support — it truly means everything.”

The health journey started back in July 2024 when Kosar revealed he was battling both cirrhosis of the liver and Parkinson’s disease. He had been in the hospital for quite some time now, as he had to undergo two aggressive procedures to stop internal bleeding. Additionally, he was supposed to receive the transplant last weekend, but the surgery had to be postponed as the donor’s organ had an infection.

The Browns showed their support by honoring him during their game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. All the prayers and well wishes paid off! Later on Monday afternoon, we heard from retired Fox 8 Cleveland sportscaster John Telich, who reported that Kosar was out of surgery and doing well.

This surgery has surely been a huge relief for Bernie, his family, and his fans. We at Essentially Sports wish Bernie a speedy recovery.