CLEVELAND — Browns legend Bernie Kosar underwent a sixth surgery this week to deal with internal bleeding as he awaits a liver transplant and is asking the public for prayers.
Here's what he said Friday:
Here's what he said Thursday:
Kosar told News 5's John Kosich on Thursday morning that the bleeding continued overnight, requiring what would ultimately become two more procedures.
Kosar said on social media that he was hoping to receive his long-awaited liver transplant over the weekend, but the donor liver was infected.
Watch Kosar's Wednesday post below:
He also said he underwent "two aggressive procedures" to stop internal bleeding on Monday. He underwent a third surgery on Wednesday.
Kosich spoke with Kosar after that third surgery. He said it was hard to stay positive after the donor liver got infected.
"I've got the honor and the awesomeness to get that call to come in Saturday morning, and think you're gonna get the liver, and docs were super positive, but that one was infected, too," Kosar said. "So, to not be able to get that, and truthfully, as positive as I want to be and spiritually upbeat, it was tough to do on Saturday and Sunday."
In his social media video, Kosar asked for support during this time, mentioning the stress he's under.
"Man, all the duress right now, I could really use your love, support and actual prayers today," he said.
Kosar said he has been dealing with internal bleeding, and a month ago, he began to bleed out and lost consciousness.
He said he went through that again on Sunday:
"To have that happen again Sunday night/Monday morning ... and to have a couple procedures, a surgery to help to try to stop the bleeding, and then have another episode of bleeding last night to have another emergency surgery this morning," Kosar said.
Kosar's blood pressure was too low for him to be put under for Wednesday's operation, causing it to be delayed until around 11:30 a.m., he said.
Despite the challenges he's faced, he said he's grateful for the positive effects his treatment has had on his health issues.
"I'm blessed to have been on the front side of my health and wellness journey with some of the functional medicine, regenerative stuff that I start with my biological approach, so to be here now, it's really working on me," Kosar said.
Kosar has been dealing with numerous health issues for years, from his time playing football; he’s had around 80 broken bones, 100 concussions and more than a dozen seizures.
Problems with his liver have caused medical procedures he’s had scheduled to be postponed. Kosar also faces Parkinson's Disease and early-stage dementia.
"I'm able to enunciate, articulate, communicate for a Parkinsonian symptom person with early-stage dementia who, five to 10 years ago, couldn't," Kosar said.
He also said his fans have been "more than spectacular" in supporting him through his health complications:
Kosar is asking for financial support on ShopKosar.com to help others "who are in tragically way more challenging situations" than him.
Bernie's message:
"We're visible as NFL people, and we talked about veterans yesterday ... and first responders, there's a massive group of them that is so challenged, and their insurance needs aren't so awesomely taken over by the amazing Haslam family," Kosar said.
News 5's John Kosich spoke with Kosar in August 2025 about his life and football legacy.
Watch:
RELATED: Kosar wrestles with emotions over liver transplant
Kosar's family created a GoFundMe for his medical battle and to help with a speedy recovery.
