Bernie Kosar described himself and his current circumstances as a “walking miracle” on Monday after the Browns legend was discharged from University Hospital, a week after he had a successful liver transplant.
His release from the hospital came a day before his 62nd birthday.
“There was no way I thought I was going to be here for my 62nd birthday,” Kosar told reporters at a news conference on Monday, per Cleveland.com. “There was no way I thought I was going to be healthy, let alone walking out of here.”
“I feel like a walking miracle,” added.
Kosar will be on a routine follow-up program at University Hospital, which will include blood testing on a weekly basis, Dr. Zoe Lewis, who performed the liver transplant, said.
The Browns legend had revealed he was dealing with liver failure and needed a transplant in a July 2024 interview with Cleveland Magazine and had been put on the transplant list in the spring of that year.
The liver that Kosar received during the Nov. 17 transplant surgery came from 21-year-old Brye Dunlap, who had died from complications of an anoxic brain injury the day prior.
The family of Dunlap, who was a Browns fan, was given the option to make a directed donation and after selecting Kosar, the organ was confirmed to be a match.
“We are so happy for Bernie being released so he can continue to recover in comfort,” Dunlap’s family told 3News. “We truly believe that Bryce is looking down and is so proud that he helped a Browns legend. And that is what is getting us by. Bryce was an amazing boy with the biggest heart.”
Kosar was nearly overcome by emotions when the local outlet shared the story with him.
“I’m trying not to cry, first. I love him,” Kosar told 3News. “Yes, he’s looking down on me, and I’m so thankful for that. But he’s also within me. I feel him within me. I know that sounds corny or out there; I feel him within me. There’s more than me in me now. There’s no doubt about that. I just love him and his family. You matter.”
Kosar’s health situation came to the forefront earlier this month when he requested prayers in a post on social media after he had undergone two “aggressive procedures” to stop internal bleeding.
Kosar is a beloved figure in Cleveland, having led the Browns to three AFC title games in 1986. 1987 and 1989.
He won his only Super Bowl during the 1993 season with the Cowboys.
