Former Browns QB Bernie Kosar Honors Liver Donor Bryce Dunlap

Kosar thanks Dunlap at Greater Cleveland Sports Awards ceremony

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar spoke at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards on February 5, 2026 to honor his liver donor, Bryce Dunlap. Kosar underwent a liver transplant in 2025 and credited Dunlap's donation with saving his life.

Why it matters

Kosar's public acknowledgment of his donor highlights the importance of organ donation and the impact it can have on people's lives. As a beloved Cleveland sports figure, Kosar's story can inspire others to consider becoming organ donors themselves.

The details

Kosar underwent a liver transplant in 2025 after experiencing liver failure. His donor was Bryce Dunlap, a local resident who passed away unexpectedly. At the awards ceremony, Kosar took the stage to personally thank Dunlap's family for the life-saving donation.

  • Kosar underwent a liver transplant in 2025.
  • Kosar spoke at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards on February 5, 2026.

The players

Bernie Kosar

Former quarterback for the Cleveland Browns who received a liver transplant in 2025.

Bryce Dunlap

A local resident who passed away unexpectedly and donated his liver to Bernie Kosar, saving Kosar's life.

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What they’re saying

“I'm forever grateful to Bryce and his family for their incredible gift. Without them, I wouldn't be standing here today.”

— Bernie Kosar, Former Cleveland Browns Quarterback (Greater Cleveland Sports Awards)

The takeaway

Kosar's story underscores the life-changing impact that organ donation can have, and serves as an inspiring example of how one person's selfless act can save another's life. His public acknowledgment of his donor may encourage more people to consider becoming organ donors themselves.