Key Points
- Bernie Kosar, legendary NFL quarterback, awaits a life-saving kidney transplant in hospital.
- Kosar remains optimistic: “You get better or worse,” he reflected from his hospital room.
- Fans and Ohio Governor DeWine publicly share prayers and support for Kosar’s recovery.
Legendary NFL quarterback Bernie Kosar is continuing to ask for prayers on Sunday evening.
The former Cleveland Browns quarterback, 61, needs a kidney transplant. Kosar who played college football for the Miami Hurricanes, leading the team to a national championship in 1983, played for the Browns from 1985-93. He made the Pro Bowl in 1987 and is considered one of the top players in franchise history.
But Kosar is facing a serious health battle.
Kosar is awaiting a life-changing kidney operation and has already undergone multiple surgeries. He’s been in the hospital for more than a week.
Kosar is remaining optimistic.
“I can’t wake up without thinking of some of the great words of some of my awesome coaches, like Coach Howard Schnellenberger and Coach Don Shula,” Kosar said from his hospital room. “They used to say how you do little things is how you do all things, and each day when you wake up you never stay the same. You get better or worse.”
Kosar had been dealing with some internal bleeding. He required seven surgeries.
“You can see all the IVs behind me. Left hand all really loaded up with a couple IVs and a midline. Getting ready to attack the day,” he added.
NFL fans are sending their prayers
“Get well soon, Bernie! You terrorized my Oilers back in the day but you were one of the nicest NFL players I ever got to meet when we were both a lot younger!” one fan wrote.
“My sister received a liver there 23 years ago, close to death but Dr. Post and the team saved her life. You are in great hands there and God is with you,” one fan added.
“Praying for you, Bernie! Want to see the all clear post from you! May have rooted against you on the field but cheering you on in this! God bless you,” one fan added.
“Many prayers for your needed transplant and recovery. Once recovered, a healthy dose of chicken paprikas is required to keep up your strength,” one fan added.
“You’ve got this Bernie!! We are all praying for you!! I met you several times in Cleveland. You were very kind!! Watching the Browns game & thinking of you! 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️,” one fan added.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is among those praying for Kosar, too.
“Well Bernie we love you, and we just pray for you and hope you get better. You’ve given back so much to the Cleveland area and to Youngstown and really the whole world, and you’re someone who’s very, very special,” DeWine said.
Kosar, meanwhile, continues to stay optimistic.
“I wake up early and I make the conscious decision each and every day to be better, especially to all the people, families and communities who we’re able to touch in the course of our day,” he said. “You matter! Let’s all have a winning day.”
Our thoughts are with Kosar.
About the author
Andrew Holleran
Editor, The Spun