A Sunday Scare, a Kosar Jersey, and a Message of Hope

The Bernie Kosar EraEAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 1: Quarterback Bernie Kosar #19 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a game against the New York Giants on December 1, 1985 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Cleveland won 35-33. (Photo by Rich Pilling/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

Posted By: County Sports Network November 19, 2025

There are three of us old guys who greet at church every Sunday.

This past Sunday, the one guy didn’t show up. Usually, he will let us know if he’s not going to be there, but he told us the previous week, “I’ll see you next Sunday.”

Check out Bernie Kosar: Learning to Scramble book on Amazon

We texted him, but there was no response. We became concerned because he just went through a bad divorce — is there ever a good divorce? — and has been pretty depressed. Plus, he lives by himself, so there is no one checking on him regularly.

After church, I drove to his house to make sure he was Ok. He was indeed, but it was just that he had overslept.

Whew!

He was happy that I thought enough of him to pay a visit, and insisted that I let him give me a quick tour of his house.

Near the end of it, I noticed a photo of my friend with his two sons, taken years ago when they looked to be about 12. The boy on the right was wearing a brown Bernie Kosar No. 19 jersey. My friend is a native of the Detroit area and has never rooted for the Browns. He’s a Lions fan and lives a long way from Cleveland.

I smiled and had to hide the fact I had become a little emotional. Like so many of you, I have been praying for Bernie as he battled liver disease and waited for a donor for a transplant.

I took it as a message from God that he was going to be OK. About 18 hours later, early on Monday morning, he had the transplant and appears to be doing great, especially considering the severity of such a procedure. We offer thanks to God and will keep praying.

What’s going on with Bernie, who is the face of the Browns for countless people, continues to be the biggest news about the franchise, far greater than any game, coaching hot seat or quarterback controversy could ever be.

Steve King

READ NEXT: The Bernie Kosar Era

Note: We are compensated for purchases made through links on this website

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail
SHARE TWEET PIN SHARE