In a heart-wrenching revelation, former NFL quarterback Bernie Kosar has announced that he has Parkinson's and liver failure, marking a significant turn in the retired athlete's life, known for his time with the Cleveland Browns, is now grappling with severe health issues and is on the liver transplant list, Mail Online reported.
Bernie Kosar, 60, enjoyed a celebrated career in the NFL, predominantly with the Cleveland Browns. Drafted in 1985, Kosar quickly became renowned for his leadership and skill on the field.
However, behind the glory of his NFL days, Kosar sustained numerous injuries, the impact of which he may still be feeling.
In February, an independent NFL doctor diagnosed him with Parkinson's depressive disorder of the nervous system.
This diagnosis came shortly before Kosar faced another severe health revelation. In late spring, following a drastic health incident, he was placed on the liver transplant list, indicating the severity of his liver failure.
Kosar experienced what he described as a significant health episode during a Browns game against the New York Jets on December 28. He recounted feeling as if his body 'gave out,' a 'moment of 'serious concern that notably affected him. "I felt like I "wasn't going wasn't it home from the Jets clubs," Kosar expressed, highlighting the gravity of the incident.
Despite the alarming symptoms at the December game, Kosar postponed visiting doctors until after New Year's.
At one year, his condition had worsened, necessitating a massive blood transfusion. It was in January, right after these interventions, that doctors advised him of his likely need for a new liver.
By February, Kosar's health deteriorated to the point of requiring hospitalization during the Super Bowl festivities in Las Vegas.
This period marked a low in his ongoing battle, underscored by subsequent hospital records indicating E. Coli blood poisoning and heart complications in March.
Despite the grim months, Kosar's health has seen a noticeable improvement. His doctor, Anthony Post, reported that "Liver disease" does tend to fluctuate. So he's on that whistling where it goes up and down. He's in a good state right now, but anything terrible could happen." This captures" the precariousness of Kosar's current status.
Further complicating his condition is the presence of a high level of an organic solvent in his liver, a puzzling aspect for which doctors have yet to find a definitive cause. This mystery only adds to the complexity of Kosar's challenges.
Despite his health battles, Kosar has continued to engage with the public and NFL events. Notably, he was recently seen with pop star Taylor Swift at an NFL game in 2023, showing his spirit remains undeterred. Fans and the community warmly received his presence at the game.
Kosar's resilience in the face of his debilitating conditions is commendable. He reflected on his ordeal, saying, "I wish you could have seen me three months ago. Maybe not, because I looked like death. I felt like death. E. Coli blood poisoning. Heart trouble. And I thought I needed the liver transplant ASAP. I was in a bad grade."
Kosar's candid account of his health struggles bring to light the often overlooked vulnerabilities of professional athletes, both during and post-career. His journey underscores the harsh reality of sports injuries and the long-term effects they can carry.
As he continues to navigate this difficult phase, Kosar's story is a poignant reminder of the human aspect behind the athletic prowess displayed on the field.
In conclusion, Bernie Kosar's journey of severe health ailments has been marked by ups and downs. Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and placed on a liver transplant list due to liver failure, Kosar has experienced periods of both intense struggle and notable improvement.
Amid these challenges, he has continued making public appearances, adding a layer of courage to his enduring battle. As this situation continues, he remains resilient and determined within the NFL community.
