Bernie Kosar Released from Hospital After Successful Liver Transplant

Cleveland Browns icon Bernie Kosar was discharged from the hospital on Monday, just a week after a successful liver transplant.

Released the day before he turned 62, Kosar expressed his relief, stating he feels like a “walking miracle.” “I never thought I would be here, celebrating my 62nd birthday,” he remarked during a press conference. “Honestly, I didn’t think I would be healthy enough to leave.”

The former quarterback revealed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with liver failure in July 2024 and was placed on the transplant list that spring. He received the new liver on November 17, which belonged to 21-year-old Bryce Dunlap, who tragically passed away from complications related to anoxic brain injury.

The Dunlap family shared their happiness that Kosar is recovering, expressing pride in knowing their loved one helped save a Browns legend’s life. “Bryce was a wonderful soul with a huge heart,” they said in a statement.

Kosar, visibly emotional when discussing this connection, shared, “First of all, I’m trying not to cry. I love him. I feel him inside me. As corny as it sounds, there’s more in me right now than just myself.”

Throughout his career, Kosar played 12 NFL seasons, nine of which were with the Browns. He earned a spot in the Pro Bowl during his time with the team and later won a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys in 1993. In total, he recorded a 53-54-1 record, completing 59.3% of his passes for over 23,000 yards, along with 124 touchdowns and 87 interceptions.