Bernie Kosar
Owner and Entrepreneur
Miami Connection
Kosar transformed the University of Miami into 'Quarterback U' by leading the Hurricanes to their inaugural national championship in 1983, setting passing records that endure and earning hall of fame inductions that celebrate his foundational role in the program's dynasty. His business investments, including part-ownership of the Florida Panthers and ownership of Bernie's Steakhouse restaurants in South Miami, have boosted local sports and hospitality scenes. Ending his NFL career with the Dolphins further cemented his enduring ties to South Florida athletics.
About
Bernie Kosar rose to fame as the quarterback for the University of Miami Hurricanes, throwing for 5,971 yards and 40 touchdowns in 1983-1984, including a pivotal 300-yard performance in the 1984 Orange Bowl victory over Nebraska that secured Miami's first national title. He set school records with a 62.3% completion percentage, earned Academic All-American honors, and was inducted into the UM Sports Hall of Fame in 1995 and Football Ring of Honor in 1999. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns, he played nine seasons there before joining the Super Bowl XXVIII champion Dallas Cowboys in 1993 and finishing his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins from 1994-1996. Post-retirement, Kosar invested in South Florida ventures, becoming part-owner of the Florida Panthers NHL team in 2001 and owning Bernie's Steakhouse restaurants in South Miami. A University of Miami business graduate with majors in finance and economics, he remains a prominent figure in Miami sports legacy.