OLMSTED TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WOIO) -Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar spent Thursday honoring the life of Bryce Dunlap, the 21-year-old North Olmsted man whose organ donation gave Kosar a second chance at life.
May 7 marked what would have been Dunlap’s birthday. Friends and family gathered that evening for a balloon ceremony celebrating Dunlap’s life and legacy, while loved ones said the “firsts” since his death have been especially difficult.
Dunlap died unexpectedly in November 2025 from complications of an anoxic brain injury. His liver was donated and transplanted to Kosar.
“We’ve been having a lot of firsts, I mean, Thanksgiving and Christmas and just all of Easter, and now his birthday,” Dunlap’s grandmother, Karen West, said. “And they’re rough days. I don’t know that they’re going to ever get real easy, but at least we’re getting through them, and this helped a lot.”
Kosar said returning to be with Dunlap’s parents on their son’s birthday was important to him.
“To see where I’ve come from November 17th when we had the transplant, to here on May 7th — to have a second chance at life obviously I’m incredibly blessed,” Kosar said. “And with Kimberly and Adam not having their son with them on his birthday today. I just thought it was important for me from a spiritual perspective — that I wanted to be there with them.”
As balloons rose into the sky, West said Kosar’s effort to attend brought comfort to the family. West also added that Kosar’s presence meant more than she could put into words.
“We’re thankful he was able to swing it because it was kind of out of his way and he did it,” West said. “And we’re grateful that he did it, cause he’s our friend for the rest of our lives. So, it’s brought us together, and it’s cool.”
Kosar said Dunlap’s donation is something he will carry with him always.
“Again, just so blessed and thankful to be able to, one be here standing,” Kosar said, “but two, just so thankful for Bryce, and Kimberly and Adam, and the whole family and friends that are out here today.”
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