Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Bernie Kosar

How Bernie Kosar built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Bernie Kosar is a former NFL quarterback, notable for leading the Miami Hurricanes to a national championship in 1983 and playing for the Cleveland Browns from 1985-1993. He also played for the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins, securing a Super Bowl ring as a backup with the Cowboys in 1993. His career highlights include his college success and tenure with the Browns.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1982: Redshirted

In 1982, Bernie Kosar was redshirted.

1983: Led Miami Hurricanes to National Championship

In 1983, Bernie Kosar led the Miami Hurricanes to a national championship victory.

1983: Orange Bowl MVP

In 1983, Bernie Kosar started all 12 games as a freshman, leading the Miami Hurricanes to an 11-1 regular season record and an Orange Bowl berth. He passed for 300 yards and two touchdowns in the Orange Bowl game, leading the Hurricanes to a 31-30 victory over Nebraska, securing Miami's first national championship, and earning Orange Bowl MVP honors.

March 14, 1985: Announcement to Enter NFL Draft

On March 14, 1985, Bernie Kosar announced he was forgoing his final two years of college eligibility to enter the NFL, expressing his desire to play for the Cleveland Browns.

March 1985: Expedited Academic Plan

In March 1985, Bernie Kosar arranged an expedited academic plan to graduate from the University of Miami, meeting the NFL draft eligibility requirements.

April 9, 1985: Vikings Trade for Draft Selection

On April 9, 1985, the Minnesota Vikings traded with the Houston Oilers to obtain a top draft selection, announcing their intention to draft Bernie Kosar.

April 15, 1985: NFL Deadline

On April 15, 1985, the Vikings learned that Bernie Kosar had not met the NFL deadline for submission of formal eligibility documents for the 1985 draft. Vikings coach Bud Grant expressed his confusion at the situation.

June 1985: University of Miami Confirms Graduation

In June 1985, the University of Miami notified the NFL that Bernie Kosar had met the course requirements to graduate.

July 3, 1985: Selected by Browns in Supplemental Draft

On July 3, 1985, the Cleveland Browns selected Bernie Kosar with their first pick in the 1985 supplemental draft, offering him a five-year contract.

1985: Joined Cleveland Browns

In 1985, Bernie Kosar joined the Cleveland Browns and played for them until 1993.

1985: Supplemental Draft Eligibility

In 1985, Bernie Kosar submitted documentation announcing his eligibility and participation in the 1985 supplemental draft.

1985: NFL Prospect

In 1985, Bernie Kosar was a highly sought NFL prospect, described as having "an elite football IQ".

1986: Browns Top Seed

In 1986, Bernie Kosar threw for 3,854 yards and finished second in the league with 310 completions. The Browns took the top seed in the American Football Conference (AFC) with a 12–4 record. In the divisional playoffs against the New York Jets, Kosar threw for a then-playoff-record 489 yards in leading the Browns to a 23–20 comeback victory in double overtime.

1986: Browns Trade for Draft Pick

In 1986, the Cleveland Browns traded their first round NFL draft selections for 1985 and 1986, their third round selection in 1985 and sixth selection in 1986 with the Buffalo Bills for the Bills' first pick in the 1985 supplemental draft, paving the way for them to select Kosar.

1987: Consecutive Playoff Games

In 1987, Bernie Kosar set a record for consecutive playoff games with at least three touchdown passes (3 games) having thrown three scores against both Indianapolis and Denver in 1987, and three against Buffalo in 1989.

1987: Productive Year

In 1987, Bernie Kosar's most productive year statistically, he completed 62 percent of his passes for 3,033 yards and 22 touchdowns and led the AFC in quarterback rating. In an AFC championship rematch against Elway's Denver Broncos, Kosar threw for 356 yards and three touchdowns in a 38–33 loss.

1989: Consecutive Playoff Games

In 1989, Bernie Kosar set a record for consecutive playoff games with at least three touchdown passes (3 games) having thrown three scores against both Indianapolis and Denver in 1987, and three against Buffalo in 1989.

1989: AFC Championship Loss

In 1989, Bernie Kosar threw for 3,533 yards. That year, the Browns advanced to the AFC championship for the third time in four years, losing again to the Broncos in Denver.

1990: Career High Interceptions

In 1990, Bernie Kosar threw a career-high 15 interceptions as the Browns went 3-13. He started the 1990 season by setting an NFL record for consecutive pass attempts without an interception with 286.

November 1991: Consecutive Completed Passes

In November 1991, Bernie Kosar set the NFL record for most consecutive completed passes without an interception.

1991: 3,487 Passing Yards

In 1991, Bernie Kosar threw for 3,487 yards and 18 touchdowns. In 1990 and 1991, Kosar set league records by throwing 308 consecutive passes without an interception, which stood as an AFC League record for almost two decades.

1991: Hiring of Bill Belichick

In 1991, the Browns hired Bill Belichick as head coach.

1993: Played for Dallas Cowboys and won Super Bowl XXVIII

In 1993, Bernie Kosar played for the Dallas Cowboys as a backup quarterback and won Super Bowl XXVIII with the team.

1993: Released by the Browns

In 1993, the Browns released Bernie Kosar after a 29-14 loss to Denver, despite controversy and fan backlash.

1994: Joined Miami Dolphins

In 1994, Bernie Kosar joined the Miami Dolphins where he played until 1996.

1994: Trick Play

In 1994, while playing as backup to Dan Marino with the Miami Dolphins, Bernie Kosar brought a trick play to the team that helped them win a crucial game against the New York Jets.

1996: Ended career with Miami Dolphins

In 1996, Bernie Kosar ended his career playing for the Miami Dolphins.

1996: Nestlé Charity Classic

Since his NFL retirement in 1996, Bernie Kosar has been involved in several sports and business-related ventures. He hosted the Nestlé/Bernie Kosar Charity Classic at Tanglewood National Golf Club.

2001: Purchased Florida Panthers

In 2001, Bernie Kosar purchased the Florida Panthers, a National Hockey League team, along with Alan Cohen.

October 16, 2007: Named Team President and CEO

On October 16, 2007, Bernie Kosar was named team president and CEO of the Cleveland Gladiators.

2007: Considered Head Coaching Job

In 2007, Bernie Kosar considered taking the head coaching job at the University of Miami before it was offered to Randy Shannon.

2008: Playoff Berth

In 2008, the Cleveland Gladiators finished the regular season 9-7, earning them a playoff berth under Bernie Kosar.

October 17, 2009: Consultant for Cleveland Browns

On October 17, 2009, Bernie Kosar was hired as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns.

December 2013: Kosar's Wood-Fired Grill Opens

In December 2013, Kosar's Wood-Fired Grill opened at the Hard Rock Rock Casino Northfield Park in Northfield, Ohio.

September 2022: Launched "The Bernie Kosar Show"

In September 2022, Bernie Kosar launched "The Bernie Kosar Show" with local sports media company BIGPLAY.

October 2023: U Matter Wellness Essentials product launch

In October 2023, Bernie Kosar launched a line of wellness products named U Matter Wellness Essentials under his Kosar Wellness brand. These products include supplements such as digestive enzymes, fermented vegetable powder, and effervescent humic fulvic acid tablets. As part of the product launch, Kosar partnered with Foundation Health Solutions. Additionally, in 2023, Kosar faced a lawsuit related to Kosar Wellness.

2024: New patented coffee blend launch

In January 2024, Bernie Kosar launched a new patented coffee blend designed to boost immunity, protect against chronic diseases, and strengthen heart health, as reported by Peter Chakerian of Cleveland.com.