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Bernie Kosar is ready to get back to living.

The legendary former Browns quarterback underwent a life-saving liver transplant on Monday at Cleveland’s University Hospital, and came out with a positive message.

“Hey, I’m out and I’m feeling good,” a post-surgical Kosar said in a video posted to social media. “Ready to enjoy the rest of the week and the rest of our lives. You matter!”


  Bernie Kosar provided an update on Monday after his live transplant surgery. Bernie Kosar/X Bernie Kosar provided an update on Monday after his live transplant surgery. Bernie Kosar/X

The procedure ends a saga that began in July 2024 when he was placed on a transplant waiting list after being diagnosed with cirrhosis of the organ.

Surgery was delayed last week when Kosar, 61, experiences internal bleeding and needed six operations to fix the issue.

He’s long dealt with health issues related to his playing days, including symptoms related to concussions.


  Quarterback Bernie Kosar #19 of the Cleveland Browns passing against the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 6, 1990. Getty Images Quarterback Bernie Kosar #19 of the Cleveland Browns passing against the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 6, 1990. Getty Images

Still, the Super Bowl 28 champion has kept a positive attitude throughout.

“Well, it may not be Victory Monday on the football field, but here we are at 4:23 in the morning, University Hospital, and it’s absolutely Victory Monday for me,” Kosar said in a pre-procedure video posted to X.

“So looking forward to really, literally, heading on down right now to get that liver transplant. You know, as you get ready for something monumental and transformative like this in your life, you can’t help but be, you know, be a little reflective. And, you know, as I go down here today, I think about all the awesome, awesome support and fans out there, and my amazing children and family.”

Kosar starred at the University of Miami from 1982-84, leading the school to its first national championship in 1983, before being taken in the first round of the 1985 supplemental draft by the Browns. As a pro, he quickly cemented himself as the team’s starter and became a beloved local icon, even after his 1993 release.

He signed with the Cowboys, playing a backup role to Troy Aikman on the 1995 Super Bowl winning-team. The following season, he signed with the Dolphins, to back up Dan Marino for three seasons before retiring.

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