Cleveland Browns: 30 greatest players in franchise history

Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 20. Bernie Kosar

There was a lot of controversy around Bernie Kosar entering the 1985 NFL Draft. To sum it up, Kosar wanted to go home and play for the Browns, and teams like the Minnesota Vikings were trying to get in position to secure the services of the 1983 national champion quarterback from the University of Miami.

In the end, Kosar wound up entering the 1985 NFL Supplemental Draft and he got his wish. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, Kosar wasn’t shy about wanting to play for the Browns. Then Cleveland spent a first-round pick in that Supplemental Draft to secure his services.

Kosar joined the Browns in 1985 and quickly became a starter. After a learning curve as a rookie, Kosar broke out in year two, leading the team to a 12-4 season. He led them to winning campaigns the next three seasons following that until he and the Browns finally hit a wall.

Eventually Kosar was benched in favor of Vinny Testaverde and not long after that he was released. He was picked up by the Dallas Cowboys and even won a post-season game for them and got himself a Super Bowl win. Kosar finished his career with the Miami Dolphins, but will always be remembered for his time in the Dawg Pound.