Bernie Kosar Liver Transplant & Bryce Dunlap North Olmsted OH – NFL Legend Recovers, Young Man Passes from Anoxic Brain Injury
North Olmsted, Ohio, is experiencing both relief and heartbreak this week as the community follows the health updates of NFL legend Bernie Kosar and mourns the tragic loss of Bryce Dunlap, 21, who passed away due to complications from an anoxic brain injury (cerebral hypoxia). These two stories, intertwined by the local response and GoFundMe support campaigns, have highlighted both the fragility of life and the power of community during difficult times.
Bernie Kosar, 61, former quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, confirmed he successfully underwent a life-saving liver transplant on November 17, 2025. Kosar, hospitalized for internal bleeding prior to the procedure, had already undergone seven separate procedures to stabilize his condition. In a video shared from his hospital bed, Kosar told fans, “I’m out and I’m feeling good, ready to enjoy the rest of the week and the rest of our lives.” The transplant, originally delayed due to a donor organ infection, was ultimately successful, bringing relief to sports fans and the Cleveland community who have followed his career and health closely.
Meanwhile, the Dunlap family is grieving the unexpected death of Bryce, a young man described by loved ones as full of humor, kindness, and energy that uplifted everyone around him. Bryce passed away as a result of complications from an anoxic brain injury, also known as cerebral hypoxia, leaving his family devastated and facing both emotional and financial challenges. Friends and family have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, emphasizing the importance of community support in easing the burden during such a heartbreaking time.
Bryce’s life, though tragically cut short, touched countless people. Family members described him lovingly as “Uncle Big Head, Bubbers, My Boy, Mama’s Boy,” reflecting the deep affection he inspired in all who knew him. Beyond his immediate family, Bryce’s generosity and spirit will continue through organ donation, leaving a lasting legacy that honors the love he shared freely.
Community members have responded with an outpouring of support for both Bernie Kosar and the Dunlap family. Social media tributes for Kosar celebrated his resilience and determination, noting his decades-long impact on football and inspiration to fans. Similarly, GoFundMe donors and neighbors have rallied for Bryce’s family, highlighting the value of collective compassion during moments of tragedy.
Both stories illustrate the unpredictable nature of life: Bernie Kosar’s recovery reminds people of hope, medical resilience, and the strength of the human body under care, while Bryce Dunlap’s passing underscores the importance of cherishing every moment and supporting families facing unimaginable loss. Local organizers, including Bryce’s aunt Tracy McCanna and co-organizer Gina Anders, have expressed deep gratitude for the community’s generosity, noting that every donation, message, and prayer is received with heartfelt appreciation.
As North Olmsted and the wider Ohio community process these events, the dual narratives of recovery and loss serve as reminders of life’s fragility and the enduring impact of compassion, love, and support. Whether celebrating Bernie Kosar’s new lease on life or honoring Bryce Dunlap’s memory, the focus remains on community solidarity, remembrance, and hope in the face of adversity.
Rest in peace, Bryce Dunlap. Your spirit, laughter, and generosity will live on forever, while Bernie Kosar’s recovery brings hope to fans across Ohio and beyond.