History of Bernie Kosar in Timeline
Bernie Kosar is a former American professional football quarterback. He led the Miami Hurricanes to a national championship in 1983 before playing in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns (1985-1993), Dallas Cowboys (1993), and Miami Dolphins (1994-1996). Kosar served as a backup quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys when they won Super Bowl XXVIII in 1993. He is primarily known for his time with the Cleveland Browns.
November 25, 1963: Bernard Kosar Jr. Born
On November 25, 1963, Bernard Joseph Kosar Jr. was born. He would become an American former professional football player.
1981: Named All-American
In 1981, Bernie Kosar earned Parade magazine All-American honors as a senior at Boardman High School and was Ohio's Division I "Player of the Year."
1983: Led Miami Hurricanes to National Championship
In 1983, Bernie Kosar led the Miami Hurricanes to a national championship.
1983: Started All Games, Led Hurricanes to Championship
In 1983, as a freshman, Bernie Kosar started all 12 games for the Miami Hurricanes, leading them to an 11-1 regular season and a victory in the Orange Bowl against Nebraska, securing the program's first national championship. Kosar passed for 300 yards and two touchdowns in the game and earned Orange Bowl MVP honors.
November 23, 1984: Hurricanes Loss to Boston College
On November 23, 1984, Bernie Kosar threw for 447 yards and two touchdowns in a 47–45 loss to Boston College when Flutie threw his famous "Hail Flutie" pass.
1984: Set Hurricane Season Records
In 1984, Bernie Kosar set Hurricane season records with 3,642 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, and finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting. He was also a second-team All-American.
March 14, 1985: Declared for NFL Draft and Desire to Play for Browns
On March 14, 1985, Bernie Kosar announced he was forgoing his final two years of collegiate eligibility at the University of Miami to enter the NFL and expressed his desire to play for the Cleveland Browns.
March 1985: Expedited Graduation Plans
In March 1985, Bernie Kosar arranged an expedited academic plan with 18 credits in spring 1985 and an additional six credits in the summer that would permit him to graduate from the University of Miami in time to meet the draft's eligibility requirements.
April 9, 1985: Vikings Traded to Draft Kosar
On April 9, 1985, the Minnesota Vikings traded with the Houston Oilers to obtain a top draft selection, announcing their intent to draft Bernie Kosar.
April 15, 1985: Kosar's Missed Deadline
On April 15, 1985, the NFL deadline for submission of formal eligibility documents for the 1985 draft, the Vikings learned that Bernie Kosar had not met the deadline.
June 1985: Eligibility Notification
In June 1985, the University of Miami notified the NFL that Bernie Kosar had met the course requirements to graduate.
July 3, 1985: Browns Select Kosar in Supplemental Draft
On July 3, 1985, the Cleveland Browns selected Bernie Kosar with their first selection in the 1985 supplemental draft, offering him a five-year contract.
1985: Joined Cleveland Browns
In 1985, Bernie Kosar began playing for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL.
1985: Graduated From University of Miami
In 1985, Bernie Kosar graduated from the University of Miami School of Business with a double major in finance and economics, completing 18 credit hours during the spring and an additional six during the summer to graduate early.
1985: Fiesta Bowl Loss
In 1985, Bernie Kosar played his final collegiate game in the Fiesta Bowl against UCLA, which the Hurricanes lost 39–37. He completed 31 of 44 passes for 294 yards, two touchdown passes and one interception.
1985: Highly Sought NFL Prospect
In 1985, Bernie Kosar was considered a highly sought NFL prospect.
1986: Became Browns' Permanent Starter
In 1986, Bernie Kosar established himself as the Cleveland Browns' permanent starter. He 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. But the following week, John Elway's 98-yard drive in the AFC championship game kept the Browns out of the Super Bowl.
1986: Browns Traded Draft Selections
In 1986, the Browns quietly 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, which paved the way for the Browns to select Kosar in the 1985 supplemental draft if Kosar entered it.
1987: Most Productive Year Statistically
1987 was Bernie Kosar's most productive year statistically. In the strike-shortened season, 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.
1987: Consecutive Playoff Games with Touchdown Passes
In 1987, Bernie Kosar set a record for consecutive playoff games with at least three touchdown passes, having thrown three scores against both Indianapolis and Denver.
1988: Sidelined with Injuries
In 1988, Bernie Kosar spent most of the season sidelined with injuries.
1989: Consecutive Playoff Games with Touchdown Passes
In 1989, Bernie Kosar set a record for consecutive playoff games with at least three touchdown passes, having thrown three scores against Buffalo.
1989: Advanced to AFC Championship
In 1989, Bernie Kosar threw for 3,533 yards and the Browns advanced to the AFC championship for the third time in four years, losing again to the Broncos in Denver.
June 22, 1990: Marriage to Babette Ferre
On June 22, 1990, Bernie Kosar married Babette Ferre, whom he had met while a student at the University of Miami. They had four children together.
1990: Threw Career High Interceptions
In 1990, Bernie Kosar threw a career-high 15 interceptions as the Browns went 3–13. He also started the 1990 season by setting an NFL record for consecutive pass attempts without an interception with 286.
November 1991: Set NFL Record
In November 1991, Bernie Kosar set the NFL record for most consecutive completed passes without an interception.
1991: Threw for 3,487 Yards
In 1991, Bernie Kosar threw for 3,487 yards and 18 touchdowns to only 9 interceptions. In 1990 and 1991, Kosar set league records by throwing 308 consecutive passes without an interception.
1991: Belichick Hired as Head Coach
In 1991, Bill Belichick was hired as head coach of the Browns.
1992: Missed Nine Games with Broken Ankle
In 1992, Bernie Kosar missed nine games with a broken ankle.
1993: Played for Dallas Cowboys and Won Super Bowl XXVIII
In 1993, Bernie Kosar played for the Dallas Cowboys and was the backup quarterback when the team won Super Bowl XXVIII.
1993: Released by the Browns
In 1993, the Browns released Bernie Kosar after a loss to Denver, leading to controversy and fan backlash.
1994: Played for Miami Dolphins
In 1994, Bernie Kosar joined the Miami Dolphins.
1996: Involved in Sports and Business Ventures
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 in Bainbridge Township, Ohio throughout the 1990s.
2001: Purchased Florida Panthers
In 2001, Bernie Kosar purchased the Florida Panthers, a National Hockey League team, along with pharmaceutical businessman Alan Cohen.
2005: Divorce Filing
In 2005, Babette Ferre filed for divorce from Bernie Kosar, alleging reckless spending, bad investments, and drug use.
2007: Considered Head Coaching Job at Miami
In 2007, Bernie Kosar considered taking the head coaching job at the University of Miami before it was offered to Randy Shannon.
2007: Divorce Finalized
In 2007, the divorce between Bernie Kosar and Babette Ferre was finalized.
2008: 2008-2009 Recession
Following the 2008-2009 recession, Bernie Kosar and his businesses declared bankruptcy on June 19, 2009.
2008: Gladiators Earned Playoff Berth
In 2008, the Cleveland Gladiators, under Bernie Kosar's leadership, finished the regular season 9–7, earning them a playoff berth.
June 19, 2009: Declared Bankruptcy
Following the 2008–2009 recession, Bernie Kosar and his businesses declared bankruptcy on June 19, 2009, revealing $9.2 million in assets and $18.9 million in debt.
October 17, 2009: Hired as Consultant for Cleveland Browns
On October 17, 2009, Bernie Kosar was hired as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns.
December 12, 2009: Appeared in "The U" Documentary
On December 12, 2009, Bernie Kosar was interviewed about his time at the University of Miami for the documentary "The U", which premiered on ESPN.
2009: Dating Tami Longaberger
In 2009, Bernie Kosar began dating Tami Longaberger of The Longaberger Company.
January 6, 2010: Bankruptcy Proceeding Changed to Chapter 7 Liquidation
On January 6, 2010, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Ft. Lauderdale ordered Bernie Kosar's bankruptcy proceeding to be changed to a Chapter 7 liquidation.
July 2010: Verge of Losing Property
In July 2010, it was reported that Bernie Kosar was on the verge of losing property in Geauga County, Ohio for unpaid back taxes totaling $173,557.90.
September 2010: Township Considered Purchasing Land
In September 2010, the trustees of Auburn Township indicated it was considering purchasing Bernie Kosar's land in foreclosure.
December 26, 2010: NFL Record Broken
On December 26, 2010, Tom Brady broke Bernie Kosar's NFL record for most consecutive completed passes without an interception.
2010: Character in I Am Number Four
In 2010, the novel I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore features a beagle named "Bernie Kosar" who becomes protagonist John Smith's pet.
2011: Reference in I Am Number Four Film Adaptation
In 2011, a poster of Bernie Kosar is shown in John Smith's new bedroom in the film adaptation of I Am Number Four.
2012: Feature in ESPN 30 For 30 documentary Broke
In 2012, Bernie Kosar was prominently featured in "Broke", an ESPN 30 For 30 documentary, which discussed the financial problems common among high-earning athletes. Kosar's story was highlighted as a central part of the film due to his openness about family problems and poor business decisions.
September 29, 2013: Arrest for Suspicion of DUI
On September 29, 2013, Bernie Kosar was pulled over in Solon, Ohio, for speeding and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. He later pleaded no contest to a lesser charge of reckless operation and received a $750 fine and a suspended jail sentence.
2013: End of Relationship with Tami Longaberger
In 2013, Bernie Kosar's relationship with Tami Longaberger ended.
2016: Invitation to Republican National Convention
In 2016, Bernie Kosar was invited to the Republican National Convention, where he spoke positively of Ohio and Cleveland as host state and city.
2017: Publication of "Learning to Scramble"
In 2017, Bernie Kosar published his autobiography, "Learning to Scramble", and teamed up with Ohio grocery chain Heinen's for a motivational and wellness seminar series based on the book.
2019: Considered Most Beloved Browns Player
In 2019, a poll of Browns fans considered Bernie Kosar the "most beloved" Browns player in the franchise's history.
September 2022: Launched "The Bernie Kosar Show"
In September 2022, Bernie Kosar launched "The Bernie Kosar Show" with BIGPLAY, a sports podcast with Cleveland Browns cornerback Hanford Dixon.
2022: Appearance in Tim Ryan Advertisement
In 2022, Bernie Kosar appeared in an advertisement for Tim Ryan, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Ohio.
October 2023: Launch of U Matter Wellness Essentials
In October 2023, Bernie Kosar launched U Matter Wellness Essentials, a line of wellness products under his Kosar Wellness brand, including supplements like digestive enzymes, fermented vegetable powder, and effervescent humic fulvic acid tablets. He also partnered with Foundation Health Solutions, an Ohio-based long-term care company, as part of this product launch. In 2023 Kosar was involved in a lawsuit related to Kosar Wellness.
2023: Involved in Lawsuit Related to BIGPLAY
In 2023, Bernie Kosar was involved in a lawsuit related to BIGPLAY.
2024: Diagnosis of Cirrhosis and Early Parkinson's Symptoms
In 2024, Bernie Kosar announced that he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and early symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
2024: Launch of New Patented Coffee Blend
In January 2024, Bernie Kosar launched a new patented coffee blend designed to boost immunity, protect against chronic diseases, and strengthen heart health.
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