Bernie Kosar

Kosar was born in Youngstown, Ohio and raised in suburban Boardman Township. He is of Hungarian descent.

He attended Boardman High School, where he earned Parade magazine All-American honors in 1981 as a senior and was Ohio's Division I "Player of the Year." He also gained recognition as a baseball player, especially for his pitching skills.[https://www.brownsnation.com/bernie-kosar/ "The legend of Browns QB Bernie Kosar (Complete Story)"], by Ben Donahue, Browns Nation, May 20, 2020, retrieved February 20, 2022.

File:President Ronald Reagan throwing a football during a photo op with football player Bernie Kosar of the Cleveland Browns.jpg in the Oval Office in February 1987]]

Kosar was recruited by University of Miami head football coach Howard Schnellenberger, and Kosar committed to the University of Miami, which ran a passing-oriented offense and was beginning to emerge as one of the nation's premier college football programs. Kosar proved instrumental in establishing the University of Miami nickname "Quarterback U" in reference to the number of top quarterbacks the program produced.[https://www.umsportshalloffame.com/bernie-kosar.html Bernie Kosar at University of Miami Hall of Fame], retrieved February 20, 2022.

After being redshirted in 1982, Kosar started all 12 games as a freshman in 1983. In the 1983 season, he completed 61.5 percent of his passes for 2,328 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the Hurricanes to an 11–1 regular season and a berth in the Orange Bowl against top-ranked Nebraska, which had won 22 consecutive games. In the game, Kosar passed for 300 yards and two touchdowns, and the Hurricanes topped the Cornhuskers, 31–30, for Miami's first national championship. Kosar earned Orange Bowl MVP honors for his performance.Cleveland Browns 1992 Media Guide

In 1984, he set Hurricane season records with 3,642 yards and 25 touchdowns, was a second-team All-American and finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting. Kosar's career completion percentage of 62.3 percent is still a Hurricanes record.[https://www.umsportshalloffame.com/bernie-kosar.html Bernie Kosar at University of Miami Hall of Fame], retrieved February 20, 2022

Kosar threw for 447 yards and two touchdowns, completing 25 of 38 attempts, in the Hurricanes' November 23, 1984 47–45 loss to Boston College when Flutie threw his famous "Hail Flutie" pass.ESPN College Football Encyclopedia, ESPN Books, (2005), {{ISBN|1-4013-3703-1}}. p. 160 Earlier the same year, Kosar watched as replacement quarterback Frank Reich of the Maryland Terrapins launched what was then the biggest comeback in college football history, coming back from a first-half deficit of 31–0 to win a 42–40 victory.{{cite web|url=http://www.umterps.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=29700&ATCLID=208126792&SPID=120713&SPSID=716333|title=Maryland Football Quarterback Legacy|publisher=University of Maryland|access-date=December 29, 2017}} The game and pass have been described as among the most memorable moments in sports history.{{Cite web|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Ten-Best-Damn-unforgettable-sports-moments|title=Ten Best Damn unforgettable sports moments - NFL News | FOX Sports on MSN|date=May 16, 2014|access-date=February 21, 2022|archive-date=May 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140516222405/http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Ten-Best-Damn-unforgettable-sports-moments|url-status=bot: unknown}}

His final collegiate game was the 1985 Fiesta Bowl against UCLA, which the Hurricanes lost 39–37. In that game, Kosar completed 31 of 44 passes for 294 yards, two touchdown passes and one interception.

Kosar graduated from the University of Miami School of Business with a double major in finance and economics. He took 18 credit hours during the spring of 1985 and an additional six during the summer to graduate early.1992 cleveland browns media guide

Kosar was interviewed about his time at the University of Miami for the documentary The U, which premiered on ESPN on December 12, 2009.

In 1985, Kosar was a highly sought NFL prospect, described as having "an elite football IQ" and "being able to decipher a defense quicker than his coaches." But his route from the University of Miami to the National Football League would prove to be filled with widespread controversy and the use of highly unconventional transactional and draft NFL tactics.[https://www.news5cleveland.com/sports/2021-nfl-draft/the-remarkable-tale-of-how-bernie-kosar-bypassed-the-regular-nfl-draft-to-join-the-cleveland-browns "How Bernie Kosar bypassed the regular NFL draft to join the Cleveland Browns," News 5 Cleveland, April 29, 2021], retrieved February 20, 2022

In a March 14, 1985 press conference in Miami, Kosar announced that he was forgoing his final two years of collegiate eligibility at the University of Miami to enter the National Football League. Kosar grew up a Cleveland Browns fan,[https://www.brownsnation.com/bernie-kosar/ "Bernie Kosar"] at Browns Nation and also announced in the press conference that he would like to play for the Browns in his native Ohio.

NFL rules at the time permitted only college seniors and college graduates to enter the 1985 NFL draft, and Kosar was still a University of Miami underclassman in March 1985. To establish eligibility, Kosar announced he had arranged an expedited academic plan with 18 credits in spring 1985 and an additional six credits in the summer that would permit him to graduate from the University of Miami in time to meet the draft's eligibility requirements. In June 1985, the University of Miami notified the NFL that Kosar had met the course requirements to graduate.

Seeking to obtain Kosar in the NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings on April 9, 1985, traded with the Houston Oilers to obtain a top draft selection and announced their intent to draft Kosar. Meanwhile, also seeking to draft Kosar, the Browns quietly traded their first round NFL draft selections for 1985 and 1986, their third round selection in 1985 and sixth selection in 1986 with the Buffalo Bills for the Bills' first pick in the 1985 supplemental draft, which paved the way for the Browns to select Kosar in the 1985 supplemental draft if Kosar entered it.

The NFL deadline for the submission of formal eligibility documents for the 1985 draft was April 15, 1985, and the Vikings learned that Kosar had not met the deadline. "I'm as confused as you are," Vikings coach Bud Grant said at the time about Kosar. "We put our bid on the line. It's up to the commissioner whether you need a verbal or a written commitment from the man. He dropped out of football, hired an agent and declared he was going in the draft. The only thing he didn't do was sign a letter."[https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1985-04-23-8501240241-story.html "Grant's foes like Kosar's direction,"] Chicago Tribune, April 23, 1985, retrieved February 22, 2022.

Teams soon learned of the Browns' highly unorthodox trade with the Bills to obtain Kosar in the supplemental draft. Several teams asked then NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle to prevent the unusual trade between the Browns and Bills. Rozelle, in turn, announced that he was giving Kosar until April 23 to submit eligibility documents for either the traditional or supplemental draft. On April 25, Kosar held a press conference, announcing his intention to skip the traditional draft and enter the supplemental draft, where he expected to be selected with the Browns' first selection.

The Houston Oilers, also seeking to draft Kosar in the traditional draft, threatened to sue to stop the entire draft unless Kosar was in it. Houston also appealed to the Vikings to join the suit. Kosar's agent, in turn, threatened to sue the NFL if Kosar was obligated to enter the traditional draft.

But when the Vikings refused to join the suit, the Oilers dropped it. Kosar submitted documentation announcing his eligibility and participation in the 1985 supplemental draft.

On July 3, 1985, the Browns used their first selection in the 1985 supplemental draft to select Kosar, offering him a five-year contract.{{Cite web |title=1985 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1985/draft.htm |access-date=2023-10-05 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}

The Cleveland Browns intended for Kosar to serve as Gary Danielson's backup in Kosar's rookie season, but Danielson injured his shoulder in the fifth week. Kosar completed half of his passes in the team's run-oriented offense that year, and the team squeaked into the playoffs with an 8–8 record, losing to the Miami Dolphins in the divisional playoffs.

Danielson was injured again in the 1986 preseason. By the time Danielson healed and returned, however, Kosar had established himself as the Browns' permanent starter. In a new, passing-focused offense, Kosar threw for 3,854 yards and finished second in the league with 310 completions. The Browns took the top seed in the American Football Conference (AFC) with a 12–4 record. In the divisional playoffs against the New York Jets, Kosar threw for a then-playoff-record 489 yards (a record since broken by Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII) in leading the Browns to a 23–20 comeback victory in double overtime. But the following week, John Elway's 98-yard drive in the AFC championship game kept the Browns out of the Super Bowl.

Kosar's most productive year statistically was 1987. In the strike-shortened season, he completed 62 percent of his passes for 3,033 yards and 22 touchdowns and led the AFC in quarterback rating. In an AFC championship rematch against Elway's Denver Broncos, Kosar threw for 356 yards and three touchdowns in a 38–33 loss.

File:Bernie Kosar with the Cleveland Browns (cropped).jpg

Kosar spent most of the 1988 season sidelined with injuries but came back to throw for 3,533 yards in 1989. That year, the Browns advanced to the AFC championship for the third time in four years, losing again to the Broncos in Denver.

Kosar set a record for consecutive playoff games with at least three touchdown passes (3 games) having thrown three scores against both Indianapolis and Denver in 1987, and three against Buffalo in 1989.{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KosaBe00/gamelog|title=Bernie Kosar Career Game Log|publisher=Pro-football-reference.com|access-date=October 1, 2012}}

Kosar's later years in Cleveland were dampened by injuries and dwindling support around him. In 1990, Kosar threw a career-high 15 interceptions as the Browns went 3–13. He also started the 1990 season by setting an NFL record for consecutive pass attempts without an interception with 286.{{cite web | url=http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfceast/0-5-23/Kosar-s-record-safe-from-Campbell.html | title=Kosar's Record Safe From Campbell | first=Matt | last=Mosley | date=November 3, 2008 | work=ESPN.com | access-date=October 26, 2018 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123134720/http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfceast/0-5-23/Kosar-s-record-safe-from-Campbell.html | archive-date=January 23, 2009}} The following year, 1991, Kosar came back to throw for 3,487 yards and 18 touchdowns to only 9 interceptions. In 1990 and 1991, Kosar set league records by throwing 308 consecutive passes without an interception, which stood as an AFC League record for almost two decades.

In 1991, the Browns hired Bill Belichick as head coach. Following a 1992 season that saw Kosar miss nine games with a broken ankle and go 2–5 in the games that he started, Belichick signed quarterback Vinny Testaverde, also a former University of Miami quarterback, prior to the 1993 season. After falling from 3–0 to 3–2 in the 1993 season, Belichick benched Kosar in favor of Testaverde. An injury to Testaverde returned Kosar to the field. After a 29–14 loss to Denver in Week 10, the Browns released Kosar.{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/11/08/Browns-release-Kosar/5683752734800/|title=Browns release Kosar - UPI Archives|website=UPI}}

According to a poll of Browns fans in 2019, Kosar was considered the "most beloved" Browns player in the franchise's history.[https://www.brownsnation.com/most-beloved-cleveland-browns/ "Most beloved Cleveland Browns,"] Browns Nation, October 18, 2019], retrieved February 20, 2021.

The Dallas Cowboys suffered an injury to starter Troy Aikman on the same weekend. After Kosar's release, the Cowboys promptly signed Kosar to a one-year, $1 million contract as the backup quarterback for rookie Jason Garrett. After an inefficient first nine minutes of the game against Phoenix with only two completions, Garrett was replaced by Kosar, who finished the rest of the game and started the next game for his only two meaningful game action in the regular season. During the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers, Aikman was knocked out of the game with a concussion in the third quarter, with Kosar finishing the game, completing five of nine pass attempts for 83 yards and one touchdown. He earned his only Super Bowl championship as a backup in Super Bowl XXVIII, entering the game in the final play and knelt down to close the victory.

Kosar spent the final two years of his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins as backup to Dan Marino. Kosar brought to the Dolphins a trick play that helped the Dolphins top the New York Jets in a crucial 1994 game.{{cite web | url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11925261/the-fake-spike-20th-anniversary-miami-dolphins-unforgettable-victory-new-york-jets | title=The Fake Spike, 20 years later | first=Rich | last=Cimini | date=November 26, 2014 | website=ESPN.com | access-date=October 26, 2018}} With the clock winding down and the Dolphins trailing by three, Marino pretended to spike the ball to stop the clock. He then threw the winning touchdown pass to Mark Ingram.

Kosar finished his 12-season career with 1,994 completions in 3,365 attempts for 23,301 yards and 124 touchdowns, 87 interceptions, and five rushing touchdowns.[https://www.nfl.com/players/bernie-kosar/stats/career "Bernie Kosar career statistics], NFL.com, retrieved February 22, 2022. In November 1991, Kosar also set the NFL record for most consecutive completed passes without an interception, a record that stood until broken by Tom Brady on December 26, 2010.[https://www.deseret.com/1991/11/11/18951141/kosar-passes-starr-in-error-free-passing "Kosar passes Starr in error-free passing,"], Deseret News, November 11, 1991.

Since his NFL retirement in 1996, Kosar has been involved in several sports and business-related ventures. He hosted the Nestlé/Bernie Kosar Charity Classic at Tanglewood National Golf Club in Bainbridge Township, Ohio throughout the 1990s.{{cite web | url=http://www.bernie-kosar.com/berniespeaks.html | title=Instead of Art, will it be Bernie? | first=Bart | last=Hubbuch | date=March 26, 1996 | work=Akron Beacon Journal | via=Bernie-kosar.com | access-date=October 26, 2018}}

In 2001, Kosar purchased the Florida Panthers, a National Hockey League team, along with pharmaceutical businessman Alan Cohen.{{cite web | url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/203067-bernies-bankupt-a-symbol-of-a-nation-generation-and-region | title=Bernie's Bankrupt: A Symbol of a Nation, Generation and Region? | first=Christopher | last=Maher | date=June 20, 2009 | website=BleacherReport.com | access-date=October 26, 2018}}

In 2007, there was some speculation that Kosar might take the head coaching job at the University of Miami, his alma mater and where he holds a seat on the university's board of regents. Kosar acknowledged that he had considered taking the job before it was ultimately offered to Randy Shannon.[http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7005767950 Kosar considering Miami coaching job] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929111301/http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7005767950|date=September 29, 2007}}, AllHeadlineNews.com. URL accessed December 6, 2006{{cite web | url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=2688010 | title=Kosar interested in returning to alma mater | agency=Associated Press | date=December 6, 2006 | website=ESPN.com | access-date=October 26, 2018}}

Kosar also purchased a minority share in the Arena Football League's Las Vegas Gladiators in 2007 and announced that the team would move to Cleveland and play under the name Cleveland Gladiators.{{cite web|last=Jay|first=Robbie|url=http://diehardfansanonymous.blogspot.com/2007/10/arena-football-coming-to-cleveland.html|title=Arena Football Coming to Cleveland|publisher=Die Hard Fans Anonymous|date=October 11, 2007|access-date=October 1, 2012}} On October 16, 2007, Kosar was named team president and CEO of the franchise.{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/arena/news?slug=txarenacleveland&prov=st&type=lgns |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714000952/http://sports.yahoo.com/arena/news?slug=txarenacleveland&prov=st&type=lgns |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 14, 2012 |title=Las Vegas franchise relocates to Cleveland for 2008 AFL season |publisher=Yahoo! Sports |date=November 30, 2010 |access-date=October 1, 2012 }} The Gladiators finished the 2008 regular season 9–7, earning them a playoff berth.

On October 17, 2009, Kosar was hired as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns.{{cite web | url=https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2009/10/bernies_back_--_kosar_joins_br.html|title=Bernie's back – Kosar joins Browns as consultant to Randy Lerner: NFL Insider | first=Tony | last=Grossi | date=October 17, 2009 | work=The Plain Dealer | location=Cleveland, Ohio | access-date=December 30, 2021}}

In September 2022, Kosar launched "The Bernie Kosar Show" with local sports media company BIGPLAY. A sports podcast with Cleveland Browns cornerback Hanford Dixon interviewing athletes and discussing the Cleveland Browns past present, and future.{{Cite web|url=https://kosar19.com/|title=Bernie Kosar's Official Website | Kosar 19|website=kosar19.com}} In 2023 Kosar was involved in a lawsuit related to BIGPLAY.{{cite news|first=Sean|last=McDonnell|title=Browns legend Bernie Kosar embroiled in litigation involving two business deals gone bad|url=https://www.cleveland.com/news/2024/11/browns-legend-bernie-kosar-embroiled-in-litigation-involving-two-business-deals-gone-bad.html|url-access=subscription|work=The Plain Dealer|date=December 2, 2024|access-date=December 5, 2024}}

Following the 2008–2009 recession, Kosar and his businesses declared bankruptcy on June 19, 2009, later revealing $9.2 million in assets and $18.9 million in debt. Kosar's initial bankruptcy filing was a Chapter 11 restructuring, but the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Ft. Lauderdale on January 6, 2010, ordered the proceeding be changed to a Chapter 7 liquidation.{{cite news | url=https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2010/01/bernie_kosars_assets_will_be_s.html | title=Bernie Kosar's assets will be sold off | work=The Plain Dealer | location=Cleveland, Ohio | date=January 9, 2010 | access-date=December 30, 2021 | last=Bathon | first=Michael}} Under the restructuring, Kosar's filings proposed protecting his NFL pension, though it was unclear {{when|date=May 2013}} if this will be permitted under a Chapter 7 proceeding.{{Cite web|url=https://ecf.flsb.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl|title=ernard J. Kosar Jr., no. 09-22371, Bankr. S.D. Fla.|website=PACER}}

In July 2010, it was reported that Kosar was on the verge of losing property in Geauga County, Ohio for unpaid back taxes totaling $173,557.90.{{cite news | title=Diminishing tax payments by former Cleveland Brown | url=http://gcm.php.mediaspanonline.com/article.php?sid=3504 | access-date=October 17, 2011 | work=Geauga County Maple Leaf | date=July 15, 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425073745/http://gcm.php.mediaspanonline.com/article.php?sid=3504 | archive-date=April 25, 2012}} In September 2010, the trustees of Auburn Township indicated it was considering purchasing the land in foreclosure.{{cite news | last=Ryder | first=Diane | title=Auburn may buy Bernie Kosar's property | url=http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2010/09/22/news/nh3067073.txt?viewmode=fullstory | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120912092709/http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2010/09/22/news/nh3067073.txt?viewmode=fullstory | url-status=dead | archive-date=September 12, 2012 | access-date=October 17, 2011 | newspaper=The News-Herald | location=Willoughby, Ohio | date=September 22, 2010 }}

Kosar has lent his name to Kosar's Wood-Fired Grill at the Hard Rock Rock Casino Northfield Park in Northfield, Ohio, which opened in December 2013.{{cite news | title=Bernie Kosar lends his name to Northfield Park restaurant | url=https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2013/08/bernie_kosar_lends_his_name_to.html | first=Thomas | last=Ott | work=The Plain Dealer | location=Cleveland, Ohio | date=August 22, 2013 | access-date=December 30, 2021}}

Kosar has teamed with Ohio grocery chain Heinen's for a motivational and wellness seminar series based on Kosar's autobiography, Learning to Scramble,[https://www.geaugamapleleaf.com/news/former-beloved-browns-quarterback-learns-to-scramble-off-field/ "Former Beloved Brown’s Quarterback Learns ‘to Scramble’ Off Field"] by Rose Nemunaitis Geauga County Maple Leaf (July 19, 2018). Retrieved December 7, 2019 which he published in 2017.[https://www.clevelandlandmarkspress.com/book_details.php?bid=27#&panel1-1 Learning to Scramble by Bernie Kosar with Craig Stout] clevelandlandmarkspress.com. Retrieved December 7, 2019

In October 2023, Kosar announced a line of wellness products named U Matter Wellness Essentials{{cite web|url=https://x.com/BernieKosarQB/status/1714335992268611900|title=U Matter Wellness Essentials announcement on X|date=October 17, 2023}} under his Kosar Wellness brand, selling supplements including digestive enzymes, fermented vegetable powder and effervescent humic fulvic acid tablets.{{cite web | url=https://kosarwellness.com/ | title=U Matter Wellness Essentials official website | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130113916/https://kosarwellness.com/|archive-date=November 30, 2023}} As part of the product launch, Kosar partnered with Foundation Health Solutions, an Ohio-based long-term care company.{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcKvEhr-Mi0 | title=U Matter Wellness Essentials and Foundations Health Solutions partnership| website=YouTube| date=November 21, 2023}} In 2023 Kosar was involved in a lawsuit related to Kosar Wellness.

A Jan. 5, 2024, Cleveland.com story{{full citation needed|date=December 2024}} by Peter Chakerian stated that Bernie Kosar just launched a new patented coffee blend, designed by Kosar himself to "boost immunity, protect against chronic diseases and strengthen heart health."

On June 22, 1990, Kosar married Babette Ferre[https://www.nndb.com/people/962/000163473/ Bernie Kosar] NNDB Retrieved December 5, 2019. whom he first met as a University of Miami student.[https://www.si.com/vault/1988/08/29/118269/brainy-brown-bernie-kosars-bad-body-and-sidearm-delivery-make-coaches-wince-but-his-quick-mind-has-opponents-of-the-browns-feeling-blue "Brainy Brown"] by Rick Telander Sports Illustrated (August 29, 1988). Retrieved December 5, 2019. They had four children. Ferre filed for divorce in 2005, alleging that Kosar had engaged in reckless spending, bad investments, and drug use. The divorce was finalized in 2007.[https://bauerfamilylaw.blogspot.com/2007/04/ "Babette vs. Bernie: Battling Over Bucks"] by Joan Fleischman bauerfamilylaw (April 18, 2007) via Miami Herald (link broken). Retrieved December 5, 2019. Kosar dated Tami Longaberger of The Longaberger Company from 2009 to 2013.[https://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/2010/08/in_second_half_of_his_life_for.html "In Second Half of His Life, Former Cleveland Browns Quarterback Bernie Kosar Begins a Comeback"] by Terry Pluto (August 14, 2010) cleveland.com. Retrieved December 5, 2019.

Kosar was prominently featured in Broke, a 2012 ESPN 30 For 30 documentary about the financial problems common among high-earning athletes. According to one review of Broke, "[Kosar's] story proved to be the true heart of the film" with Kosar's upfront discussion of family problems and bad business decisions.{{cite web |last1=Conway |first1=Tyler |title=Bernie Kosar: Former QB Exposes Pitfalls of Athletes Trusting Family in 'Broke' |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1357277-bernie-kosar-former-qb-exposes-pitfalls-of-athletes-trusting-family-in-broke |website=Bleacher Report |access-date=December 30, 2021 |date=October 3, 2012}}

On September 29, 2013, Kosar was pulled over by law enforcement in Solon, Ohio for speeding and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. He later pleaded no contest to a lesser charge of reckless operation and received a $750 fine and suspended jail sentence.{{cite web | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/04/28/bernie-kosar-browns-reckless-operation-charge-plea-drunken-driving/8421997 | title=Bernie Kosar pleads no contest to reckless operation charge | work=USA Today | agency=Associated Press | date=April 28, 2014 | access-date=October 26, 2018}}

Kosar's political views are undetermined, but was invited to the 2016 Republican National Convention, and spoke positively of host state Ohio and host city Cleveland in the context of the Convention being held there.{{cite web |last1=Borchardt |first1=Jackie |title=Former Browns QB Bernie Kosar mingles with Ohio GOP delegates at RNC |url=https://www.cleveland.com/rnc-2016/2016/07/former_browns_qb_bernie_kosar.html |website=Cleveland.com |access-date=30 October 2022 |date=18 July 2016}} In 2022, he appeared in an advertisement for Tim Ryan, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Ohio.{{Cite tweet |last=Ryan |first=Tim |user=TimRyan |number=1585310334273089536 |date=26 October 2022 |title=Thank you @BernieKosarQB—this November, Ohioans are going to reject extremism and elect a leader for all Ohioans.|access-date=30 October 2022}}

Kosar continues to deal with lingering health issues related to several concussions he sustained during his playing career and enrolled in a treatment program to alleviate his symptoms.{{cite web | url=http://proplayerinsiders.com/nfl-player-team-news-features/bernie-kosar-is-undergoing-groundbreaking-treatment-for-brain-trauma/ | title=Bernie Kosar is Undergoing "Groundbreaking" Treatment for Brain Trauma | first=Joey | last=Rivaldo | website=ProPlayerInsiders.com | date=January 10, 2013 | access-date=October 26, 2018}} Kosar says the experimental treatment has been helpful and has promoted it to other players who may have developed symptoms related to chronic traumatic encephalopathy.{{cite web | url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8833397/bernie-kosar-former-cleveland-browns-quarterback-finding-help-concussions | title=Bernie Kosar happy to find treatment | website=ESPN.com | agency=Associated Press | date=January 11, 2013 | access-date=October 26, 2018}} For over a decade, Kosar's symptoms have included insomnia, slurred speech, and ringing in his head.{{cite web | url=https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2013/01/former_cleveland_browns_quarte_2.html | title=Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar receiving 'groundbreaking' treatments for brain trauma | first=Tom | last=Reed | work=The Plain Dealer | location=Cleveland, Ohio | date=January 10, 2013 | access-date=December 30, 2021}}

In 2024, Kosar said he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and early symptoms of Parkinson's disease.{{cite news|first1=Dennis|last1=Manoloff|first2=Dillon|last2=Stewart|title=Exclusive: Bernie Kosar Upbeat While Facing a Liver Transplant and Early Signs of Parkinson's|url=https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/people/articles/bernie-kosar-facing-liver-transplant-early-parkinsons|work=Cleveland Magazine|date=July 9, 2024|access-date=July 10, 2024}}

In the 2010 novel I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore, protagonist John Smith finds an abandoned beagle named "Bernie Kosar" who becomes Smith's pet. In the 2011 film adaptation, a poster of Kosar is shown in Smith's new bedroom.{{cite web |title=I Am Number Four – Bernie Kosar |url=http://www.canine.co.il/wpe/i-am-number-four-bernie-kosar/ |access-date=October 27, 2011 |date=February 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425113145/http://www.canine.co.il/wpe/i-am-number-four-bernie-kosar/ |archive-date=April 25, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

• {{cite book|first1=Bernie|last1=Kosar|first2=Craig|last2=Stout|title=Learning to Scramble|year=2017|isbn=978-0-936760-00-1|publisher=Cleveland Landmarks Press|location=Cleveland, Ohio}}

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