Bernie Kosar, considered by many to be the best quarterback of the Cleveland Browns’ Super Bowl era, is facing significant health issues. revealed to Cleveland Magazine.
The 60-year-old former Pro Bowler has reportedly been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and is suffering from liver failure severe enough that he will likely need a liver transplant. Specifically, a member of his medical team said there is a greater than 90% chance he will need a new liver.
Kosar reportedly said he has been dealing with health issues related to his liver for years, but ignored the pain until he was diagnosed with cirrhosis 16 months ago. He recalled to Cleveland Magazine watching a Browns game against the New York Jets on Dec. 28 when his symptoms became particularly severe, leading to his hospitalization:
“My body shut down,” he says. “I really felt like I wasn’t going to make it home after the Jets game. But I held on and continued to avoid doctors until the new year. Then I went to the hospital and got a massive blood transfusion. I thought, ‘How are you alive? How are you moving? Because your hemoglobin levels are so low. ’”
She reportedly became seriously ill again while traveling to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, resulting in a hospital stay of several days after her flight.
According to a doctor, the cause of Kosar’s liver failure has not been determined. His liver contains “an incredibly high level of organic solvent, higher than we have seen in any person.”
According to Cleveland Magazine, Dr. Michael Roizen of the Cleveland Clinic stated:
“This compound does not live in humans for 24 hours, but it has been there for probably 10 years and we don’t know why.”
Kosar remains beloved in Cleveland, having starred for nine seasons with the Browns. He led them to the playoffs in five consecutive seasons, a franchise record in the Super Bowl era, and remains near the top of the franchise rankings in nearly every meaningful passing statistic.
He also has a Super Bowl ring from his time as a backup for the Dallas Cowboys in 1994 and a championship in the college ranks with Miami in 1983.