But the Youngstown, Ohio, native has been making some successful plays off the field as well, putting his degree in finance and economics from the University of Miami to work on the board of WildCard Systems, which specializes in electronic stored-value cards and accounts; and as an advisor with Precision Response Corp., a customer relationship management firm he joined in 1993.

"A lot of athletes start as 'front guys' or 'door openers,'" says Kosar. "I wasn't comfortable doing that. I like to really understand what I am doing."

However, it's his charitable work that scores the most points for this player who, for the past ten years, has served as chairman of the 45-member NFL Quarterback Club he helped to establish. The group allows sport legends such as Dan Marino, Doug Flutie, John Elway and Troy Aikman to pursue charity work beyond the bounds of their team cities. "

Typically, a Buffalo Bills fan wouldn't want Dan Marino presenting his product," Kosar explains. "Our fans are so intense that if your arch enemy is pitching an idea - no matter how positive it is - you're not going to listen. As a group, we can approach different regions of the country without alienating anyone."

Most recently, Kosar's philanthropic plays have focused on helping young people pursue higher education. "I've been incredibly blessed to play 12 years in the NFL, and that has allowed me the ability to help others who aren't as blessed as I am," he says.

"I think it's incredibly more challenging for kids growing up now. They're exposed to stuff far earlier and have to make decisions we didn't have to," says Kosar, a UM trustee and 1994 University of Miami Alumnus of Distinction. "A lot of what I do is to help kids. Their education is something that people can never take away from them. Hopefully, the Bernie Kosar Scholarship will help."