Bernie Kosar's Health Ordeal: A Week of Surgeries and a Plea for Support
Former NFL star Bernie Kosar has shared a stark and troubling health update, revealing he's been undergoing a relentless series of medical procedures this week. The 61-year-old former quarterback, who is grappling with both liver failure and Parkinson's disease, found himself in a critical situation after a planned donor liver transplant took a distressing turn.
Kosar had been anticipating receiving a donor liver over the weekend. However, the organ was found to be infected, leading to a cascade of further complications. By Monday, he was experiencing internal bleeding, necessitating two urgent and "aggressive procedures."
On Wednesday, facing yet another surgery, Kosar took to social media in a Facebook video, his voice conveying the immense duress he was under. He made a heartfelt plea to his fans for their "love, support and actual prayers."
A Long Road to Diagnosis
The public became aware of Kosar's serious health battles earlier this year. In July 2024, he opened up to Cleveland Magazine, disclosing his diagnosis of cirrhosis and early-stage Parkinson's disease. He recounted a particularly frightening episode in December 2023, during an appearance at a Browns game against the Jets.
"I really felt like I wasn't going to make it home from the Jets game," Kosar admitted. He explained that he initially tried to push through the symptoms, avoiding medical attention until after the New Year. It was then that he was hospitalised and received a significant blood transfusion. Doctors expressed astonishment at his ability to function given his critically low haemoglobin levels.
The Physical Toll of a Football Career
Kosar's NFL career, which spanned nine years with the Cleveland Browns, three seasons with the Miami Dolphins, and one with the Dallas Cowboys, has left him with a significant legacy of physical ailments. He estimates he sustained around 100 concussions and suffered approximately 80 broken bones during his playing days. These cumulative injuries have undoubtedly contributed to his current health challenges.
The Liver Transplant List and Its Emotional Weight
News 5 Cleveland had reported over the summer that Kosar had been on a liver transplant list for over a year. However, the prospect of a transplant brought with it a complex mix of emotions. Kosar articulated the profound psychological and spiritual conflict he experienced contemplating the source of a new liver.
"To really realise that I'm going to be getting a liver from somebody that really could have a bad accident today," he mused. "From a psychological standpoint, I don't wish any ill or issues like that on anybody, and to think that that's kind of what we're waiting for right now, it's spiritually conflicting."
The August report also highlighted the demanding nature of his ongoing medical care, indicating that Kosar required surgical procedures "every couple of days" to drain fluid from his blood.
Years of Unexplained Illnesses
Kosar acknowledged that he had been experiencing liver-related illnesses for years, but had often dismissed them without a clear understanding of their origin.
A Life Beyond the Field
Since retiring from professional football in 1996, Kosar has remained a recognisable figure in the football community. He has continued to make appearances at major events, including Super Bowl festivities. Notably, he was pictured with pop star Taylor Swift two years ago at a pre-game gathering hosted by Travis Kelce.
His current health struggles serve as a poignant reminder of the long-term consequences that can arise from a demanding athletic career, and the vulnerability that even celebrated sports figures can face. The outpouring of support from fans during this difficult time underscores the deep connection many still feel with the former quarterback.
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