Bernie Kosar is a former NFL quarterback known for his time with the Cleveland Browns. After a successful college career at the University of Miami, where he won a national championship in 1983, Kosar went on to play in the NFL for over a decade. He primarily played for the Browns and later had brief stints with the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins. His career highlight includes winning Super Bowl XXVIII as a backup for the Cowboys in 1993.
November 25, 1963: Bernie Kosar was born
Bernie Kosar was born on November 25, 1963.
1981: High School Honors
In 1981, while attending Boardman High School, Bernie Kosar earned Parade magazine All-American honors and was named Ohio's Division I "Player of the Year."
1982: Redshirted Freshman Year
Bernie Kosar was redshirted during his freshman year at the University of Miami in 1982.
1983: Led Miami Hurricanes to a national championship
In 1983, Bernie Kosar led the Miami Hurricanes football team to a national championship.
1984: Record-Breaking Season and Heisman Trophy Nomination
Bernie Kosar had a record-breaking season in 1984, setting Hurricane season records with 3,642 yards and 25 touchdowns. He was named a second-team All-American and finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting.
March 14, 1985: Declared for the NFL Draft
On March 14, 1985, Bernie Kosar announced his decision to forgo his final two years of college eligibility and enter the NFL Draft. He also expressed his desire to play for his hometown team, the Cleveland Browns.
March 1985: Expedited Academic Plan for Draft Eligibility
In March 1985, to become eligible for the 1985 NFL Draft, Bernie Kosar announced an expedited academic plan to graduate from the University of Miami in time, taking 18 credits in the spring and six in the summer.
April 9, 1985: Vikings and Browns Trade for Draft Position
On April 9, 1985, the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns made trades to try and secure the opportunity to draft Bernie Kosar.
April 15, 1985: Vikings Discover Kosar Missed NFL Draft Deadline
On April 15, 1985, the Minnesota Vikings learned that Bernie Kosar had missed the NFL's deadline for submitting formal eligibility documents for the 1985 draft.
June 1985: University Confirms Graduation Requirements Met
The University of Miami notified the NFL in June 1985 that Bernie Kosar had met the necessary course requirements to graduate.
July 3, 1985: Drafted by the Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns used their first pick in the 1985 supplemental draft to select Bernie Kosar, offering him a five-year contract.
1985: Final Collegiate Game
Bernie Kosar's final collegiate game took place in 1985: the Fiesta Bowl against UCLA, which the Hurricanes lost 39-37.
1985: Highly Sought NFL Prospect
Bernie Kosar was a highly sought NFL prospect in 1985, known for his intelligence and ability to analyze defenses.
1985: Kosar Enters Supplemental Draft
Bernie Kosar submitted documentation to enter the 1985 supplemental draft.
1985: Joined the Cleveland Browns
Bernie Kosar joined the Cleveland Browns in 1985, marking the start of his NFL career.
1985: Graduated from the University of Miami
Bernie Kosar graduated from the University of Miami School of Business in 1985 with a double major in finance and economics.
1986: Became Browns' Starting Quarterback and Led Team to Playoffs
During the 1986 preseason, Bernie Kosar established himself as the Browns' starting quarterback. He led the team to a 12-4 record and the top seed in the American Football Conference, throwing for 3,854 yards.
1986: Browns Trade Draft Picks
In 1986, the Cleveland Browns traded their first-round picks for 1985 and 1986, their third-round pick in 1985, and their sixth-round pick in 1986 to the Buffalo Bills.
1987: Statistically Productive Season
Despite a strike-shortened season in 1987, Bernie Kosar had his most productive year statistically, completing 62 percent of his passes for 3,033 yards and 22 touchdowns. He led the AFC in quarterback rating.
1987: Set Playoff Touchdown Record
Bernie Kosar set a record in 1987 for consecutive playoff games with at least three touchdown passes, achieving this feat in three games.
1988: Sidelined with Injuries
Bernie Kosar spent the majority of the 1988 season sidelined due to injuries.
1989: Continued Playoff Touchdown Streak
Bernie Kosar continued his record-setting streak of consecutive playoff games with at least three touchdown passes into 1989.
1989: Returned from Injury and Led Browns to AFC Championship
Bernie Kosar returned from injury in 1989 to throw for 3,533 yards and lead the Browns to the AFC Championship game.
June 22, 1990: Marriage to Babette Ferre
Bernie Kosar married Babette Ferre, whom he met during their time at the University of Miami, on June 22, 1990.
1990: Kosar's Struggles and Records
In 1990, Bernie Kosar experienced a challenging season with the Browns, throwing a career-high 15 interceptions as the team went 3-13. However, he also set an NFL record at the start of the season for consecutive pass attempts without an interception, reaching 286.
November 1991: Setting an NFL Passing Record
In November 1991, Bernie Kosar achieved an NFL record for the most consecutive completed passes without an interception.
1991: Improved Performance and Record-Breaking Year
Bernie Kosar rebounded in 1991 with the Browns, throwing for 3,487 yards and 18 touchdowns while significantly reducing his interceptions. He also set an NFL record in 1991 for the most consecutive completed passes without an interception, a record that stood for nearly two decades.
1991: Arrival of Bill Belichick
The Cleveland Browns hired Bill Belichick as head coach in 1991, marking a significant moment in Kosar's career.
1992: Injury and Testaverde Signing
Kosar's 1992 season was marred by a broken ankle that caused him to miss nine games. Following the season, Belichick signed Vinny Testaverde, another former University of Miami quarterback, adding competition for the starting role.
1993: Played for the Dallas Cowboys
In 1993, Bernie Kosar played for the Dallas Cowboys.
1993: Benching and Release from Browns
Despite a promising 3-0 start in 1993, the Browns benched Kosar in favor of Testaverde after a couple of losses. Although an injury to Testaverde briefly returned Kosar to the field, the Browns released him following a Week 10 loss to Denver.
1994: Joining the Dolphins and a Crucial Play
In 1994, Kosar played for the Miami Dolphins, serving as a backup to Dan Marino. He notably contributed a trick play that helped secure a victory against the New York Jets in a critical game.
1994: Joined the Miami Dolphins
Bernie Kosar joined the Miami Dolphins in 1994.
1996: Retirement and Philanthropic Work
After retiring from the NFL in 1996, Kosar engaged in various sports and business endeavors. He hosted the Nestlé/Bernie Kosar Charity Classic, demonstrating his commitment to philanthropy.
1996: End of NFL Career
Bernie Kosar's NFL career ended in 1996.
2001: Venturing into Hockey Ownership
Bernie Kosar joined forces with businessman Alan Cohen to purchase the Florida Panthers NHL team in 2001, expanding his involvement in professional sports.
2005: Divorce Proceedings Begin
Babette Ferre filed for divorce from Bernie Kosar in 2005, citing financial concerns and allegations of drug use.
October 16, 2007: Leading the Cleveland Gladiators
On October 16, 2007, Bernie Kosar assumed the roles of president and CEO of the Cleveland Gladiators.
2007: Divorce Finalized
Bernie Kosar's divorce from Babette Ferre was finalized in 2007.
2007: Considering Coaching at Miami
In 2007, Kosar contemplated becoming the head coach at his alma mater, the University of Miami. However, the position was ultimately offered to Randy Shannon.
2008: Impact of the Recession
The 2008-2009 recession significantly affected Kosar's businesses, leading to financial difficulties.
2008: Gladiators Secure Playoff Berth
The Cleveland Gladiators, under Kosar's leadership, achieved a 9-7 record in the 2008 regular season, earning a spot in the playoffs.
June 19, 2009: Declaring Bankruptcy
Facing mounting financial pressures, Bernie Kosar and his businesses filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on June 19, 2009.
October 17, 2009: Returning to the Browns as a Consultant
Kosar rejoined the Cleveland Browns in 2009, taking on a consulting role with the team.
December 12, 2009: Featured in "The U" Documentary
Bernie Kosar was interviewed about his time at the University of Miami for the documentary "The U," which premiered on ESPN on December 12, 2009.
2009: Relationship with Tami Longaberger
Bernie Kosar began dating Tami Longaberger, associated with The Longaberger Company, in 2009.
January 6, 2010: Shift to Chapter 7 Liquidation
A U.S. Bankruptcy Court ordered the conversion of Kosar's bankruptcy case from Chapter 11 restructuring to Chapter 7 liquidation on January 6, 2010.
July 2010: Property Tax Issues
In July 2010, reports surfaced that Bernie Kosar faced potential property loss in Geauga County, Ohio due to unpaid back taxes.
September 2010: Potential Foreclosure on Property
Auburn Township trustees explored the possibility of purchasing Kosar's property in foreclosure in September 2010.
December 26, 2010: Record Broken by Tom Brady
Tom Brady broke Bernie Kosar's record for the most consecutive completed passes without an interception on December 26, 2010.
2010: Reference in "I Am Number Four" Novel
Author Pittacus Lore included a reference to Bernie Kosar in the 2010 novel "I Am Number Four," where the protagonist names his pet beagle "Bernie Kosar."
2011: Kosar Poster in Film Adaptation
The 2011 film adaptation of "I Am Number Four" features a poster of Bernie Kosar in the protagonist's bedroom, further cementing his place in popular culture.
2012: Featured in ESPN's "Broke"
Kosar's financial struggles were highlighted in "Broke," a 2012 ESPN 30 for 30 documentary exploring the financial challenges faced by many high-earning athletes. Kosar's candidness about his difficulties resonated with viewers, making his story central to the film.
September 29, 2013: DUI Arrest
Kosar was arrested for DUI on September 29, 2013, after being pulled over for speeding in Solon, Ohio. He later pleaded no contest to reckless operation, resulting in a fine and suspended jail sentence.
2013: End of Relationship with Longaberger
Kosar's relationship with Tami Longaberger ended in 2013.
2016: Appearance at Republican National Convention
Kosar was invited to the 2016 Republican National Convention, where he spoke positively about Ohio and Cleveland as the event's hosts.
2017: Publication of "Learning to Scramble"
Bernie Kosar published his autobiography, "Learning to Scramble," in 2017 and partnered with Heinen's grocery chain for a seminar series based on the book.
2019: Recognized as a Fan Favorite
A 2019 poll of Browns fans affirmed Bernie Kosar's enduring popularity, as he was voted the "most beloved" player in the franchise's history.
September 2022: Launching "The Bernie Kosar Show"
In September 2022, Bernie Kosar debuted "The Bernie Kosar Show," a sports podcast in collaboration with BIGPLAY, featuring interviews with athletes and discussions about the Cleveland Browns.
2022: Support for Tim Ryan's Senate Campaign
In 2022, Kosar appeared in an advertisement for Tim Ryan, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Ohio.
2024: Launching a Patented Coffee Blend
A Cleveland.com story reported that Bernie Kosar launched his own patented coffee blend, emphasizing its health benefits, in January 2024.