With the Cleveland Cavaliers' epic comeback NBA Finals win over the 73-9 Golden State Warriors, the city's 52-year championship drought is over. As such, many of Cleveland's sports heroes and goats have been let off the hook in the last few days. Earnest Byner, 29 years later, is finally healing from The Fumble, for example.
When the Cavs take their parade through downtown Cleveland, they'll have another former Browns player with them. Quarterback Bernie Kosar was personally invited to join the party by Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, according to ESPN.com.
Kosar was the team's quarterback from the time he was drafted (in the supplemental draft) in 1985 until being released midway through the 1993 season. He ranks third all-time in passing yards among Browns QBs, and fourth in passing touchdowns. Among the 16 players in team history to throw at least 500 passes, Kosar ranks fourth in completion percentage, yards per attempt, and passer rating. He also accounted for the second-most fourth quarter comebacks and game-winning drives in team history.
In 1986 and 1987, he led Cleveland to back-to-back AFC title games, where they famously lost heartbreakers to the Denver Broncos both times. The games became known for The Drive and The Fumble, respectively. Now, 30 years later, Kosar will be part of the city's cathartic celebration.
