Bernie Kosar has had many memorable days for the Cleveland Browns both on and off the field. Today is another very special occasion to add to the list.
The former Browns quarterback is being honored with Bernie Kosar Day by the city of Cleveland. Oct. 13 marks the 41st anniversary of his first NFL regular-season start, which came against the Houston Oilers and resulted in a 21-6 victory.
With that, Kosar forever stamps his mark in Cleveland, and he took to social media to express his gratitude.
“Truly humbled and honored that October 13 has officially been declared Bernie Kosar Day in Cleveland! 41 years since my first NFL start, and Cleveland will always be home. Thank you to the City of Cleveland and the best fans in the world for all the love and support! Forever grateful. Forever a Brown,” Kosar posted.
🏈🧡 Truly humbled and honored that October 13 has officially been declared Bernie Kosar Day in Cleveland!
41 years since my first NFL start, and Cleveland will always be home. Thank you to the City of Cleveland and the best fans in the world for all the love and support!… pic.twitter.com/h1beeltwg1
— Bernie Kosar (@BernieKosarQB) October 13, 2026
Kosar was presented with a plaque on Monday at the Cleveland City Council meeting. Council member Brian Kazy praised Kosar’s passion for the game, loyalty to the Browns, and enduring connection to the community.
An Ohio native, Kosar was selected by the Browns in the 1985 supplemental draft after playing at the University of Miami. He helped Cleveland make the playoffs for five straight seasons and into three appearances in the AFC Championship Game.
Unfortunately, the Browns were unable to reach the Super Bowl, losing to the Denver Broncos each time. Kosar did win a championship with the Dallas Cowboys after leaving the Browns in 1993.
This honor takes on added significance as it comes after Kosar has faced several serious health issues. Dealing with cirrhosis, he received a liver transplant in November 2025, but he later required treatment for E.coli blood poisoning and minor organ rejection earlier this year. The 62-year-old was previously diagnosed with the early stages of Parkinson’s disease.
Those challenges have only strengthened his ties to the community. This summer, he was seen at a Cleveland Guardians game with Travis Kelce, and he was recently spotted at an ALDS playoff game.
Kosar ranks third in Browns history in games played at quarterback, third in passing yards, and fourth in touchdown passes, but he will mostly be remembered for the heights he helped Cleveland reach in the 1980s and the courage and resilience he has shown after his playing days ended.
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