CLEVELAND — Former Cleveland Browns QB Bernie Kosar has shared the news that he needs a liver transplant and has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Kosar first shared the news in an article from Cleveland Magazine, but 3News has since spoken with Kosar who confirmed that he is dealing with liver failure and Parkinson's disease. According to the article, Kosar was placed on the liver transplant list in late spring. In addition, he told Cleveland Magazine that he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in February.
"I'm not running from it, I'm not going to hide from it," Kosar, 60, told our own Jay Crawford on Tuesday. "A lot of us have issues, some a little more extreme than others. There's people that got worse stuff than me going on right now."
One of Kosar's doctors, Dr. Michael Roizen from Cleveland Clinic, told Cleveland Magazine that "there is more than a 90% chance that Kosar will need a new liver." WKYC's Monica Robins later spoke to Rozien, who said Kosar has adjusted his diet to more vegetables, lean protein, and even a simple supplement that may surprise some people.
"Black coffee helps the liver heal," Roizen said. "It also helps prevent — and we don't we don't know the mechanism of all this — but it also helps prevent dementia from both Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and probably other forms of dementia, as well."
Cleveland Clinic describes Parkinson's disease as "an age-related degenerative brain condition, meaning it causes parts of your brain to deteriorate. It’s best known for causing slowed movements, tremors, balance problems and more. Most cases happen for unknown reasons, but some are inherited."
In regard to his liver, while his condition has improved and he could potentially go "years" without a transplant, doctors are still monitoring his situation carefully.
"I think he is going to deteriorate again," Dr. Anthony Post from University Hospitals admitted, "and each time he deteriorates, it's not only (that) it makes him feel terrible — and it definitely makes him feel terrible — but it's a risk to his life."
Since retiring in 1996, Kosar has had a long struggle with injuries stemming from his playing days, specifically head and brain injuries. Throughout his career, Kosar says he suffered 80 broken bones, 40 surgeries, numerous seizures and countless concussions.
Last year, Kosar launched KosarWellness.com to share the supplements that he takes on a daily basis.
The Ohio native and 1987 Pro Bowler led the Browns to three AFC championship game appearances. He was cut by Cleveland coach Bill Belichick in 1993 and went on to win a Super Bowl as a backup with Dallas. Kosar passed for 23,301 yards and threw 124 touchdown passes from 1985-96.
"I love the thoughts and prayers of our fans and friends out there, and I wanted (us) to go through this journey together," Kosar stated.