Bernie Kosar

Bernard Joseph Kosar Jr., born on November 25, 1963, in Youngstown, Ohio, established himself early as a remarkable talent in football. A native of Boardman, Ohio, he earned Parade magazine All-American honors in 1981 at Boardman High School, where he was also Ohio’s Division I ‘Player of the Year’. His collegiate career at the University of Miami, under head coach Howard Schnellenberger, began in 1982. After being redshirted, Kosar started all 12 games as a freshman in 1983, leading the Hurricanes to their first national championship. In the Orange Bowl, he was named MVP after throwing for 300 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-30 victory over top-ranked Nebraska. His exceptional performance continued in 1984, where he set Hurricane season records with 3,642 yards and 25 touchdowns, earning second-team All-American recognition and finishing fourth in Heisman Trophy voting. He graduated from the University of Miami School of Business with a double major in finance and economics, completing his degree ahead of schedule.

Kosar’s path to the NFL was marked by an unconventional entry into the 1985 supplemental draft, a strategic move by the Cleveland Browns to secure him. After joining the Browns, he quickly became their starting quarterback and a beloved figure among fans. His tenure with the Browns from 1985 to 1993 was characterized by significant achievements, including leading the team to multiple AFC Championship games. In 1986, he threw for a then-playoff-record 489 yards against the New York Jets. His most statistically productive year was 1987, completing 62% of his passes for 3,033 yards and 22 touchdowns. Following his time with the Browns, he joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1993, contributing to their Super Bowl XXVIII victory as a backup quarterback. He completed his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins, serving as a backup to Dan Marino from 1994 to 1996.

Post-retirement, Kosar has engaged in various business and sports ventures. He co-owned the Florida Panthers, a National Hockey League team, in 2001 and purchased a minority share in the Arena Football League’s Las Vegas Gladiators in 2007, relocating them to Cleveland as the Cleveland Gladiators. He served as the Gladiators’ team president and CEO. In 2009, he worked as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns. His business endeavors extend to hospitality with Kosar’s Wood-Fired Grill, and he has launched wellness product lines like U Matter Wellness Essentials and Kosar Coffee, reflecting his autobiography’s themes, “Learning to Scramble”. He has also actively addressed the health challenges faced by former athletes, advocating for treatments for brain trauma and openly discussing his own health struggles, including cirrhosis and early Parkinson’s symptoms.