Bernie Kosar
Former NFL quarterback who led the Cleveland Browns to three AFC championship games and won Super Bowl XXVIII as a backup with the Dallas Cowboys.
Bernard Joseph Kosar Jr. (born November 25, 1963) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes, leading the team to a national championship in 1983. He subsequently played in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns from 1985 to 1993, the Dallas Cowboys in 1993, and Miami Dolphins from 1994 to 1996. He was the backup quarterback on the 1993 Cowboys team that won Super Bowl XXVIII.
Quick Facts
- Position
- Quarterback
- Team
- Cleveland Browns
- Draft year
- 1985
- Draft status
- 1985 Supplemental Draft
- Primary era
- Late 1980s to mid-1990s
Lore & Background
Kosar was born in Youngstown, Ohio and raised in suburban Boardman Township. He is of Hungarian descent. He attended Boardman High School, where he earned Parade magazine All-American honors in 1981 as a senior and was Ohio's Division I 'Player of the Year.' He also gained recognition as a baseball player, especially for his pitching skills. In college, he was recruited by University of Miami head coach Howard Schnellenberger and committed to the University of Miami. After being redshirted in 1982, he started all 12 games as a freshman in 1983, leading the Hurricanes to an 11–1 regular season and a national championship victory over Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. He set Hurricane season records in 1984 with 3,642 yards and 25 touchdowns, was a second-team All-American, and finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting. Kosar's career completion percentage of 62.3 percent is still a Hurricanes record. He graduated from the University of Miami School of Business with a double major in finance and economics. In the NFL, he was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 1985 supplemental draft after a controversial process involving the Vikings, Oilers, and Bills. He played for the Browns from 1985 to 1993, leading them to three AFC championship games. He also played for the Dallas Cowboys in 1993 and the Miami Dolphins from 1994 to 1996.
Reader's Guide
Kosar is best known for his tenure with the Cleveland Browns, where he set a playoff record for consecutive games with at least three touchdown passes (3 games). His most productive statistical year was 1987, when he completed 62 percent of his passes for 3,033 yards and 22 touchdowns, leading the AFC in quarterback rating. He threw for a then-playoff-record 489 yards in the 1986 divisional playoffs against the New York Jets. He was the backup quarterback on the 1993 Dallas Cowboys team that won Super Bowl XXVIII.
Did You Know?
- Kosar grew up a Cleveland Browns fan and announced in a March 1985 press conference that he would like to play for the Browns in his native Ohio.
- Kosar threw for 447 yards and two touchdowns in the 1984 game against Boston College when Doug Flutie threw the famous 'Hail Flutie' pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bernie Kosar?
Bernie Kosar was a starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns who played from 1985 to 1993 and again briefly later. He is remembered as one of the franchise's most gifted signal-callers during his tenure in Cleveland.
How did he join the Browns?
Kosar was selected by Cleveland in the 1985 Supplemental Draft for college free agents rather than through the standard NFL draft. This unique path marked the beginning of his iconic status with the organization.
What playing style defined his career?
He was known as a dual-threat quarterback who possessed exceptional poise and accuracy under pressure situations. His ability to extend plays made him a favorite among fans during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
What achievements did he lead the team to?
Kosar guided the Browns to multiple playoff berths, including their first division title since joining the NFL in 1970. He consistently delivered strong performances despite often playing with limited offensive support.
Why is he considered a legend today?
Fans revere him as the heart and soul of the modern Browns era before the franchise's eventual relocation. His legacy endures because he carried high expectations on his shoulders during a pivotal time for the club.
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