On January 9, 2026, veteran reporter William E. Livingston passed away, and Browns legend Bernie Kosar is leading the tributes for the celebrated journalist. 

He took to X and offered his condolences, saying "Rip Bill," with a "U Matter" hashtag, crediting Livingston’s 34-year legacy. 

The 77-year-old worked at the Cleveland Plain Dealer as a columnist and won many awards for his work. Bill became a Cleveland Press Hall of Famer and a Vanderbilt Student Media Hall of Fame.

Throughout his long career, he has covered Super Bowls, five summer and two winter Olympics. He also covered all four major golf tournaments, the World Series, the NBA Finals, and the Stanley Cup Finals.

Bill has also written four award-winning books, including a book that chronicled his life and his career as a sportswriter. He was known for his directness and for always making his opinions clear. Livingston had a great knowledge of all sports, but Basketball was his favorite. 

He even wrote a couple of books on Dr. J. Irving and Lebron James.

Bernie Kosar Was Recently Hospitalized

In 2024, Kosar was diagnosed with liver failure (cirrhosis) and Parkinson’s disease. He had undergone a liver transplant on November 17, 2025, after spending over a year on the waiting list due to liver failure.

On January 7, 2026, the 62-year-old quarterback stated that his body was experiencing a small rejection of the new liver. While in the hospital, Kosar sent a message to his fans. 

“2026 is going to be a great year for us, but it started out a little rough for me here. My body’s having a small rejection right now of the new liver. I am trying to get IV’d so my body can accept this new liver…a new gift. So I can get on to have a positive 2026.”

Kosar was a legendary QB for the Browns, scoring 116 touchdowns for 21904 passing yards in nine seasons. He has even won a Super Bowl in 1993 for the Cowboys and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1987. 

Written by

Kalp Thaker

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi