Bernie Kosar has always been a fighter. You don’t spend nine seasons dodging defensive linemen, racking up nearly 22,000 passing yards and suffering an estimated 100 concussions without a surplus of grit. He’s the guy who stared down John Elway’s Broncos in three AFC Championships. But the battle Kosar faces now makes a blitzing linebacker look like a walk in the park.
The beloved former quarterback is currently in a hospital bed, awaiting a life-saving liver transplant while dealing with a cascade of terrifying health setbacks. It’s a gut-wrenching turn for a guy who once owned the city of Cleveland.
Just when things seemed to be looking up, Kosar was hit with a brutal one-two punch. He was scheduled for a liver transplant, the light at the end of a very dark tunnel, only to have it cruelly delayed. The donor organ, his ticket to a new lease on life, was found to be infected. It is the kind of plot twist you’d find unbelievable in a movie, but it’s Kosar’s grim reality.
As if that wasn’t enough, he then experienced internal bleeding, forcing doctors to perform “two aggressive procedures” to get it under control. From his hospital room, Kosar posted a video, asking for “love, support, and actual prayers.” Ever the competitor, he even managed a little gallows humor, pointing out his “Steelers black and gold regulation university hospital attire.” Even in his darkest moments, the old quarterback’s wit remains as sharp as his passes once were.
This health crisis didn’t come out of nowhere. Back in July, the 61-year-old revealed he was grappling with both cirrhosis of the liver and an early-stage Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. The physical toll of his playing days, a career that also included stints with the Cowboys and Dolphins, has been immense. Kosar has spoken about the 80 broken bones and countless concussions he endured, a stark reminder of the price paid for NFL glory.
He recalled his body finally “giving out” during a Browns game in December 2023. True to his tough-as-nails reputation, he put off seeing doctors until the new year, a decision that led to a massive blood transfusion. It’s been a long and grueling journey since, with constant procedures and the emotional weight of being on a transplant list for over a year.
For now, the Dawg Pound and the entire NFL world hold their breath, sending their prayers and support to a legend facing his ultimate opponent. This isn’t a game against the Broncos; it’s a fight for his life. And if there’s one thing we know about Bernie Kosar, it’s that he never, ever goes down without a fight.
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Kaden Davis was added to the Browns’ active roster on Wednesday.
The Cleveland Browns are adding a new receiver to the mix, promoting Kaden Davis to the active roster.
The Browns officially announced the move on Wednesday. Davis went undrafted in 2022 and has since bounced around. He’s spent time with the Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals on the practice squad. He spent 2023 playing for the Michigan Panthers in the USFL.
Davis spent part of last year and this season on the Browns’ practice squad. He’s been elevated for one game, recording 14 snaps on special teams. Davis also appeared in one game last season.
The Browns don’t expect Davis to be a significant contributor in their wide receiver corps, which features Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah Bond and Cedric Tillman. But he’ll provide depth to the unit, which has struggled for most of this season. If he can continue to make an impact in practice, he might earn himself some targets on game day.
The Browns’ offense has not been able to get going this season, averaging just 16.2 points per game. The production from the team’s wide receivers has been especially troubling. In Week 8, wide receivers accounted for just two targets in a 32-13 loss to the New England Patriots.
The Browns shifted play-callers during the bye week and Jeudy was a beneficiary of the change. Jeudy notched six catches for 78 yards and his first touchdown of the season. He had entered the matchup with just 22 receptions over eight games.
“I think they’re doing a good job of trying to get me going, start the game off and just continue on that momentum,” Jeudy said.
Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel has stressed the importance of getting Jeudy involved as the team’s top receiver. Week 10 was the first time Jeudy looked closer to the Pro Bowl talent he was last season.
“Jerry’s a great player, and want to continue to do that and he played great,” Gabriel said. “I want to get the ball to the best players on our team. That would be the emphasis forever.”
Jeudy is also working on strengthening his connection with Gabriel.
“The more we work with each other, the more confident and the more chemistry we have,” Jeudy said. “So consistency is key. So every day in practice, every week in the game, I see him getting better, and that’s all we could ask for, improvement.”
The Browns’ wide receiver group has yet to be at full strength this season, a tough reality given the lack of proven depth at the position. Tillman returned on Sunday against the Jets, but rookie Isaiah Bond was out with a foot injury.
Tillman appeared in Cleveland’s first four games, posting 11 catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns before suffering a hamstring injury against the Detroit Lions. He was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 30, designated for return on Nov. 3, and made his comeback against the Jets.
Tillman finished with two receptions for 11 yards in the loss, but his presence was felt. He narrowly missed hauling in a leaping catch early in the game that could have been a momentum-shifting play.
Bond logged limited reps in practice this week. If he’s able to suit up, the Browns could finally get their first look at a full receiving corps when they face the Ravens on Sunday.