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Photo flashback of former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

November 18, 2025
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30 Sep 1990: Quarterback Bernie Kosar of the Cleveland Browns passes the ball during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. The Chiefs won the game, 34-0.

Bernie Kosar, the longtime NFL quarterback and college standout, shared a positive update on Monday that his operation for a liver transplant was successful.

The news sparked a surge of reactions on social media from fans, colleagues, and coaches.

Kosar first starred at the University of Miami (Fla.), where ol’ No. 20 would step onto the national stage in the early ’80s and lead the Hurricanes to their first national title, defeating top-ranked Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. For his efforts, Kosar was named MVP.

From there—though shadowed in controversial tactics—the Cleveland Browns selected Kosar with the first pick in the NFL’s 1985 supplemental draft. He spent nine seasons with the Browns, leading the team to the AFC championship game, but never a Super Bowl, before his journeyman chapters, which included stops in Dallas and Miami.

Kosar retired after a 12-year NFL career with 1,994 completions for 23,301 yards, 124 touchdowns and 87 interceptions.

He would also be forever revered in Cleveland.

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Sep 8, 1984, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; FILE PHOTO; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Bernie Kosar (20) in action against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium during the 1984 season. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Nov 10, 1984; Miami, FL; USA; FILE PHOTO; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Bernie Kosar (20) prepares for the snap from center Ian Sinclair (76) against the Maryland Terrapins at the Orange Bowl. This game is considered one of the greatest comebacks in college football history. The Terrapins won the game 42-40. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Sep 1984; Unknown Location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Bernie Kosar (20) in action during the 1984 season . Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Sep 8 1984, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; FILE PHOTO; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Bernie Kosar (20) in action against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Sep 8, 1984; Ann Arbor, MI, USA FILE PHOTO; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Bernie Kosar (20) in action against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Jan 4, 1986; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cleveland Browns quarterback (19) Bernie Kosar looks to hand off against the Miami Dolphins in the 1985 AFC Divisional Playoff game at the Orange Bowl. The Dolphins defeated the Browns 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports © Copyright Manny Rubio

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Jan 4, 1986; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar (4) in action against the Miami Dolphins during the 1986 AFC Divisional Playoff Game at the Orange Bowl. The Dolphins won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Jan 4, 1986; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cleveland Browns quarterback (19) Bernie Kosar looks to hand off against the Miami Dolphins in the 1985 AFC Divisional Playoff game at the Orange Bowl. The Dolphins defeated the Browns 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports © Copyright Manny Rubio

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Jan 9, 1988; Cleveland, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar (19) in action against the Indianapolis Colts during the 1987 AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Cleveland Stadium. The Browns defeated the Colts 38-21. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Dec 26, 1987; Pittsburgh, PA;, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cleveland Browns head coach Marty Schottenheimer on the sideline with Bernie Kosar (19) against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium. The Browns defeated the Steelers 19-13. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Jan 4, 1986; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO;Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar (19) in action during the 1985 AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Miami Dolphin at the Orange Bowl. The Dolphins won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Dec 26, 1987; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar (19) in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium. The Browns defeated the Steelers 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Sep 28, 1986; Cleveland, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar (19) in action against the Detroit Lions at Cleveland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Jan 3, 1987; Cleveland, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar (19) in action against the New York Jets during the 1986 AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Cleveland Stadium. The Browns won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Dec 6, 1992; Cleveland, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar (19) talks with Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Boomer Esiason (7) prior to their game at Cleveland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Nov 7, 1993; Cleveland, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar (19) in action against the Denver Broncos at Cleveland Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Browns 29-14. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

1988: Quarterback Bernie Kosar #19 of the Cleveland Browns looks for a receiver during a 1988 NFL game

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Bernie Kosar #19 of the Cleveland Browns calls the play during an NFL game against the Washington Redskins on November 27, 1988. The Browns defeated the Redskins 18-13.

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

1989: Quarterback Bernie Kosar #19 of the Cleveland Browns calls the signals during an 1989 NFL game against the New York Jets. The Browns defeated the Jets 38-24.

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

30 Sep 1990: Quarterback Bernie Kosar of the Cleveland Browns looks on during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. The Chiefs won the game, 34-0. A picture of quarterback Bernie Kosar who was released by the Cleve

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

DENVER - JANUARY 17: Quarterback Bernie Kosar #19 of the Cleveland Browns releases the ball behind strong protection during the 1987 AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium on January 17, 1988 in Denver, Colorado.

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Sep 8, 1991; Foxboro, MA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar (19) on the bench against the New England Patriots at Foxboro Stadium. The Browns defeated the Patriots 20-0. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Dec 6, 1992; Cleveland, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar (19) in action against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Stadium. The Browns defeated the Bengals 37-21. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Jan 2, 1994; E. Rutherford, NJ, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Bernie Kosar (19) on the bench against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

23 Jan 1994: Quarterback Bernie Kosar of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass the ball during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. The Cowboys won the game, 38-21.

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

IRVING, TX - NOVEMBER 10: Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson (L) stands next to new Cowboy quarterback Bernie Kosar during a news conference 10 November 1993. Kosar was signed to step in for the injured Troy Aikman and is expected to start against the Phoenix Cardinals.

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Aug 20, 1994; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Bernie Kosar (19) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dolphin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Dec 31, 1994; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Miami Dolphins quarterback (19) Bernie Kosar before the 1994 AFC Wild Card game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Joe Robbie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports © Copyright Manny Rubio

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Unknown date, 1995; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Miami Dolphins quarterback Bernie Kosar (19) in action at Pro Player Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Hebert-USA TODAY NETWORK

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Sep 9, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns former quarterback Bernie Kosar signs autographs before a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Sep 9, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Former Cleveland Browns Bernie Kosar (left) and Webster Slaughter watch the game against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar hugs Browns rookie Baker Mayfield after receiving the Pro Athlete of the Year award from the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019 in Cleveland.

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Bernie Kosar, former quarterback for the Cleveland Browns and Youngstown native speaks with The Enquirer before a town hall sponsored by East Palestine Justice Thursday, March 23, 2023, in Columbiana, Ohio.

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns former quarterback Bernie Kosar during halftime between the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Jets won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Former QB Bernie Kosar through the years

Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar, left, and Tom Brady snap a picture together before Brady called his first NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.

This article originally appeared on The List Wire: Bernie Kosar, Miami Hurricanes and Cleveland Browns legend, in photos

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