CLEVELAND — Browns legend Bernie Kosar's liver transplant is complete, with the long-anticipated day coming over a year after being put on the wait list, and following a recent series of unsuccessful attempts as well as procedures to treat internal bleeding.
Kosar sent News 5's John Kosich a video after the surgery.
"Hey, I'm out and I'm feeling good," Kosar said in the video from his bed at University Hospitals.
Watch his update:
In July 2024, Kosar said that he had been placed on a transplant waiting list.
Watch:
RELATED: Bernie Kosar says he's been placed on liver transplant list, has Parkinson's disease
Kosar moved to University Circle to be closer to the hospital, to be ready for when he was selected for a transplant.
University Hospitals released a statement, and in it, the hospital system addressed speculation about possible donors, saying, "As with all organ donations, we are humbled and awed by the generosity of the donor and their family. Due to confidentiality laws, we cannot provide additional details about the donor."
Today, University Hospitals completed a liver transplant surgery for our patient, Bernie Kosar. As Northeast Ohio’s hometown healthcare team, it is always an honor to serve patients across our community. We are thankful to Mr. Kosar for trusting us with his healthcare needs. Our doctors, nurses and caregivers will do everything in our power to support his journey toward recovery. The entire UH team has grown fond of Bernie and we are astonished by the indomitable spirit Browns fans have known and loved for decades.
As with all organ donations, we are humbled and awed by the generosity of the donor and their family. Due to confidentiality laws, we cannot provide additional details about the donor.
The team at University Hospitals Transplant Institute has been providing patients with expert transplant care for more than 50 years. Our experienced multidisciplinary team offers advanced, comprehensive care for patients throughout the entire transplant journey – from initial evaluation and time on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) waiting list, through the organ transplant experience and a lifetime of follow-up care.
The Liver Transplantation Program at UH Transplant Institute offers the very best medical care to patients with end-stage liver disease. Our expert team helps patients and their families feel comfortable throughout the entire organ transplant process. Our board-certified physicians, surgeons, nurses and support staff assist patients as they become active participants in their care and learn about the liver transplantation process. This begins with the first evaluation and continues on through the post-transplant visits. Additionally, our highly skilled staff is available around the clock to answer patient questions.
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.
Last week, Kosar underwent six surgeries to deal with internal bleeding.
READ MORE: Bernie Kosar has sixth surgery this week
Despite his physical ailments and the setbacks he’s faced, Kosar has kept a positive outlook on life and is thankful for the support he’s received from his family, friends and fans.
News 5’s John Kosich spoke with Kosar in August 2025 about his life and legacy.
Watch:
RELATED: Kosar wrestles with emotions over liver transplant
