Introduction
Bernie Kosar remains a compelling figure in NFL history: a quarterback who led the Cleveland Browns in their glory days of the 1980s, earned a Super Bowl ring, and later confronted significant personal and health‐challenges. This article dives deep into his journey—his career highs, battles with alcohol, family life including his daughter, current health status, and what the news says about him today.
Early Life & Ascension
Born on November 25, 1963, in Youngstown, Ohio, Bernie Joseph Kosar Jr. rose up as a standout athlete at Boardman High School before choosing the Miami Hurricanes for college football.
He helped Miami claim its first national championship in 1983 and became a first‐team all‐South independent in 1983.
He engineered a clever move to land with the Browns via the supplemental draft, fulfilling his ambition of playing for his hometown and beloved franchise.
Standing about 6’5″ and 214 pounds, Kosar had a graceful passer style and quickly became a fan favorite in Cleveland.
NFL Career & Super Bowl Achievement
Kosar spent the core of his career with the Cleveland Browns (1985–1993), where he led them to three AFC Championship Games (1986, 1987, 1989).
In 1993, after his time in Cleveland ended, he joined the Dallas Cowboys and earned a Super Bowl XXVIII ring.
He then played briefly for the Miami Dolphins (1994–95) before retiring.
Career stats: over 23,000 passing yards, completion rate around 59.3%, 124 touchdowns versus 87 interceptions.
Kosar’s legacy in Cleveland is especially strong—he took a franchise that had struggled and made it competitive through the latter half of the 1980s.
Family Life & Daughter
Kosar married Babette Ferre on June 22, 1990. The two met while Kosar was at the University of Miami. They had four children together.
Their marriage ended in divorce, finalized in 2007, with Ferre alleging factors including “reckless spending, bad investments, and drug use”.
While specific details about his daughters—and their lives—are less publicly documented than his own career, Kosar has referenced spending time with his daughter on social media.
It’s safe to say that family has been a key part of his post-football life, even as he has faced significant personal challenges.
Struggles with Alcohol & Life Off the Field
Like many high-profile athletes, Kosar’s off-the‐field story includes serious difficulties. For years he has admitted to struggles with alcohol and other substances.
In one incident in 2013, he refused to take a breathalyzer test after being pulled over for speeding and allegedly driving under the influence.
An earlier 2012 radio interview generated concern because he sounded incoherent—while he denied being under the influence, the episode highlighted how his health and cognition might have been impacted.
Importantly, in later profiles he has acknowledged his past and said he’s been sober for years while navigating the consequences of his playing career, injuries, and lifestyle.
His story is frequently cited in the broader conversation about NFL players, long-term health effects, concussion issues, substance abuse and financial distress.
Health Battles: Liver Failure & Parkinson’s
In the news as of 2025: Kosar is facing major health crises. He has been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver (stage three), and early signs of Parkinson’s disease—likely connected to years of physical trauma from football.
In November 2025, he underwent “aggressive procedures” to stop internal bleeding while awaiting a liver transplant. His previous transplant date was delayed due to a donor organ infection.
Doctors note his competitive spirit has helped, but he is clearly in the toughest derby of his life. His liver doctor placed him on the transplant list and described how precarious his condition had become.
Kosar himself has attributed some of his health decline to his playing days—multiple concussions, injuries, and what he described as self‐medicating with alcohol afterward.
While treatments are underway, the path ahead is uncertain. His story is being followed both in sports circles and medical/health communities as a cautionary tale and one of resilience.
What Kosar’s Story Teaches Us
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Career success doesn’t guarantee long-term health. Kosar’s rise to NFL stardom came with cost.
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The transition away from elite sport can be difficult. Financial issues, substance problems and identity shifts can follow.
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Health consequences of football are real. Blood-brain injuries, liver problems, mobility issues and early neurological disease are documented in his case.
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Redemption and resilience matter. Despite everything, Kosar has publicly taken responsibility, attempted to make changes, emphasize wellness and maintain family ties.
Latest News Snapshot
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As mentioned, Nov 2025 update: Once scheduled for a liver transplant, Kosar’s procedure was delayed due to a donor organ infection; he is now undergoing multiple procedures to address internal bleeding.
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Earlier (2024): Diagnoses of liver cirrhosis and early Parkinson’s became public in an interview.
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Family legacy: His father (Bernie Kosar Sr.) passed away in September 2025 at age 87 in Ohio.
These developments underscore that the “former star athlete” phase often includes challenging health, family and life-after-sport issues.
FAQ Section
Q: How old is Bernie Kosar?
A: Born November 25, 1963, he is currently 61 years old (as of November 2025).
Q: Did Bernie Kosar win a Super Bowl?
A: Yes. He earned a Super Bowl XXVIII ring with the Dallas Cowboys in 1993.
Q: Has Kosar struggled with alcohol?
A: Yes. He has admitted to a history of alcohol and substance abuse, and there are documented incidents including a DUI arrest and public concern about his behaviour.
Q: What health issues is he facing now?
A: Kosar is suffering from cirrhosis (liver failure) and has been diagnosed with early Parkinson’s disease or signs thereof. He is awaiting a liver transplant.
Q: What about his family and daughter?
A: He has four children from his marriage to Babette Ferre. While specific details about each child are private, he has publicly posted about time with his daughter.
Conclusion
Bernie Kosar’s story is one of thrill and triumph on the field, and caution and redemption off it. From leading the Cleveland Browns, heading to the Super Bowl, to battling health crises and personal demons—it’s a full arc. For sports fans, his legacy remains intact; for everyone else, his journey offers insights about life after peak athletic performance. As he faces his toughest opponent yet—his health—we wish him strength and recovery.
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