Despite the stress of declaring bankruptcy, dealing with a divorce and several painful injuries from his football days, former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar is maintaining a positive attitude.
Even though he’s saddled with serious financial problems, Kosar hasn’t lost his self-deprecating sense of humor.
“I was 25 and everyone was telling me that I was the smartest,” Kosar told Dan Le Batard of the Miami Herald during his first interview since the bankruptcy. “Now I’m 45 and realize I’m an idiot. I’m 45 and immature. I don’t like being 45.”
Kosar acknowledged having thoughts of suicide due to the mountain of debt he’s buried under. However, he says he quickly dismissed those thoughts.
“I couldn’t quit on my kids,” Kosar said. “I’m not a quitter. I got here with hard work. I’ll get out of this with hard work.”
Kosar’s divorce, failed investments, multiple judgments against him and unpaid loans to friends, family and former teammates have created quite a mess.
However, the former Browns star sounds determined to fight his way out of it.
“No wallowing,” Kosar said. “No ‘woe is me.’ I’m great at making money. And, as we’ve found out, I’m great at spending it. What I’m not great at is managing it.”
Kosar estimated that his bankruptcy filing has cost him between $4 million and $5 million so far.