For a quarterback who once commanded the pocket with authority, Browns legend Bernie Kosar is now facing a battle far more daunting than any NFL defense. While staying at the hospital because of a liver transplant surgery, the NFL legend gathered his strength to go online and post an update for his supporters. His update from the hospital bed offered a glimpse of his fighting spirit, even as it delivered sobering news about his health.

“Good morning, still at University Hospital. Nine o’clock, had a little procedure this morning and going back down a little bit later this morning. Really still can’t stop the bleeding, but really trying to stay positive,” the 61-year-old conveyed via his Instagram post.

Further extending his statement, Kosar also thanked everyone who stepped forward to support team Bernie’s latest step in collaboration with Exosome Innovations.

“Can’t thank you all for your love and support out there and being able to be, knowing that so many people love, support, and are caring and want to help and want to be able to find out how to help us so I can get out of these tight things and get these IVs and stuff off of me,” he added. 

The Browns’ former quarterback has been struggling lately at the University Hospital. He underwent four surgeries and is dealing with serious conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and liver cirrhosis. The complications further arose as the planned liver transplant was delayed because the donor organ was found to be infected.

Finding himself short of financial backing, Kosar made a heartfelt plea to his longtime fans and the community. He posted a message on X thanking the radio host who covered his story.

“No matter the moment, there’s always a path to victory,” he said.

He also asked people to support his “Wellness Gift Fund” so he can keep going and have backup during his treatment.

Yet even as he leans on his Wellness Gift Fund for strength, heartbreak has found him again.

Bernie Kosar suffers a grieving loss amid battling health issues

It has been a difficult time for Bernie Kosar. As if battling serious health issues like liver cirrhosis and surgical complications wasn’t enough, he also lost his father, Bernie Kosar Sr., about a month ago. The elder Kosar passed away at age 87 in early September, leaving behind a legacy in his hometown of Canfield and a son who now has to cope with both illness and loss.

The update spread across media platforms after a family member stepped forward to share the update with News 21. WFMJ also updated fans on how the Canfield community remembers him. This was mainly because of the kind efforts that he extended during the mid-2010s.

Kosar Sr. played a commendable role in his community as an auxiliary officer in the Canfield Mayor’s Court before earning the spot as the mayor himself. His work in the court and city leadership turned out to be the reason behind the locals heavily mourning his death.

As Kosar continues his own fight, the outpouring of support for his family serves as a reminder that he’s not facing these battles alone.