CLEVELAND — Few athletes have connected with northeast Ohio like Bernie Kosar.

“To be blessed and to have the love and support that Cleveland has shown me in the 41 years since I started as a quarterback, you guys have never lost hope in me,” Kosar said.

The city of Cleveland declared Oct. 13 Bernie Kosar Day. It’s the 41st anniversary of his first start with the Browns, a 21-6 win over the Houston Oilers.

“I’m so humbled and almost don’t feel worthy to have my name associated in that same spectrum,” Kosar said.

Kosar grew up in Boardman Township, Ohio. His high school classmate, Marco Marinucci, said the town loves him as much as Cleveland does.

“Bernie has done a lot for us,” Marinucci said. “If you come to Boardman High School, you’ll see his photo just about everywhere. I just think the true grit from Bernie comes from this valley. It’s just how we grew up.”

Marinucci said it’s special that Kosar stayed in northeast Ohio and became a franchise quarterback for the Browns.

“Bernie stepped right in there and just became a star,” Marinucci said. “That was the greatest thing that could have happened. A guy wanted to be a Cleveland Brown right out of college. Here we are. You couldn’t even draw that up. Nobody here has forgotten Bernie.”

The honor carries even more meaning for Kosar, who underwent life-saving liver transplant surgery nearly a year ago.

“I have overcome my challenges,” Kosar said. “I love how everybody gets a second chance, and I love in Cleveland how we really pride ourselves on giving people second chances. I feel like I’ve got a second chance in my life.”

Kosar led the Browns to the playoffs five times, including three AFC Championship games. Now, the city he hopes he’s still inspiring is honoring him with a day of his own.

“I wanted to come home to northeast Ohio,” Kosar said. “I felt like I could make a difference. We could turn around our community. Cleveland is back in 2026, and I thank you all for that.”

Forty-one years later, Kosar is still getting the love he gave back to this city, and now he gets a day to go with it.

Kosar received a plaque and a standing ovation Monday as Cleveland City Council unanimously approved a resolution honoring him with his own day.