Cleveland Browns legend Bernie Kosar said he feels like a "walking miracle" after he received a liver transplant just a week before his 62nd birthday. Discharged from the hospital on Monday, Kosar shared his emotions during a press conference, expressing disbelief at his recovery and the chance to celebrate his birthday. Kosar, who was diagnosed with liver failure in July 2024, had been on a transplant list since the spring of that year.
Following a successful transplant on November 17, Kosar received a new liver from 21-year-old Bryce Dunlap, who had died from complications of an anoxic brain injury the day before. Dunlap’s family expressed their joy at being part of the transplant, noting his deep connection to the Browns and Cleveland sports. The donation has brought emotional relief to the Dunlap family, who believe their son’s spirit is now part of Kosar’s life. Kosar, during a conversation on 3News, shared how he feels a connection to Dunlap, stating, "I feel him within me. There’s more than me in me now."
As one of the NFL’s most celebrated legends, Kosar played 12 seasons, nine with the Browns. He was named to his lone Pro Bowl, won a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys in 1993, and played the final three seasons with the Miami Dolphins. In his career, he had a 53-54-1 record, completing 59.3% of his passes for 23,301 yards, with 124 touchdowns and 87 interceptions. His journey from football icon to transplant recipient underscores the resilience and spirit of enduring life beyond the field. The emotional journey of both Kosar and Dunlap’s family encapsulates the human impact of organ donation and the profound connection between strangers in a life-changing act of generosity.