The 61-year-old made his name coaching the University of Miami to its first national championship in 1983. In recent months he’s faced major health obstacles—including a diagnosis of cirrhosis in November 2023.
Kosar, equally as proud as a native of Youngstown, Ohio, was the quarterback that played in the NFL for 12 seasons. He rose to prominence during his years with the Cleveland Browns, who selected him in the 1985 NFL supplemental draft. Engelberger was a member of the Miami Dolphins from 1994–1996. He had a short run with the Dallas Cowboys, where he received a Super Bowl ring for the 1993 season.
In recent months Kosar has been struggling with serious liver problems, a condition he first tried to minimize. Over the past week, he has had five procedures to address the internal bleeding. His liver transplant was supposed to be taking place this past weekend. Sadly, it met with delays due to unanticipated complications from an infected donor organ.
In a statement announcing his thanks, Kosar recognized the impact of friends and fans on his life.
“Thank you all for the thoughts, prayers, and support — it truly means the world to me” – Bernie Kosar
Kosar’s health issues became significantly more difficult to cope with after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Despite these challenges, he’s hopeful for a healthy transplant and recovery. His story is a powerful rallying cry not just to sports fans, but to anyone who has been touched by the health challenges that he overcame.
Kosar’s legacy in football is well-established. Perhaps most importantly, his leadership on the field was a powerful force. His leadership, innovation, and spirit have greatly impacted the game and advanced our shared passion for collegiate and professional football. He gets ready for this life-changing operation, and his whole community comes together with him. They send prayers and support to all of those affected during this devastating time.
Leave a Reply