Heartfelt condolences from friends, family, and the sports community began to come in as word spread on Saturday about the passing of longtime Browns radio commentator Jim Donovan. People from all areas of life were surely touched and inspired by Jim Donovan, whether they were coworkers, politicians, retired athletes, or Cleveland sports teams. The Cleveland Browns’ voice, Jim Donovan, passed away following a valiant fight with cancer.
The Browns organization is presenting a collection of tributes to honor the life and legacy of their “voice” while also grieving the tragic loss. The Browns posted a picture of an homage to Donovan in the press box at Huntington Bank Field on X on Sunday. Additionally, the organization posted images of at least one fan waving a placard in Donovan’s honor and Browns color analyst Nathan Zegura sporting a Jim Donovan shirt.
Before Sunday’s game began, there was a brief pause while Jim Donovan’s face appeared on the video board. “Jim, you will always be a Cleveland Brown,” the stadium erupted in cheers. Donovan, a Boston native who everyone calls “Jimmy,” won over Cleveland supporters with his enthusiasm, professionalism, and sense of humor. He spent endless hours getting ready for game broadcasts because he was a stickler for detail.
Donovan found time to rejoice even during the Browns’ lean, losing seasons. Donovan was inducted into the Legends Club by former Browns kicker Phil Dawson, who remarked, “He kept it real, but he kept a positive tone to it.” Even when there wasn’t much to support, he was always able to strike that balance between being genuine, honest, and sincere.
“And I know the players appreciated that. I’m sure I was grateful for that. He was always quick to try to provide context, rather than letting people just focus on an individual moment. He just really had a talent for seeing the larger picture. It was always ‘Go Browns,’ yet he kept it real and factual, so that everybody understood what was going on.”
Following the Browns’ victory on Sunday, head coach Kevin Stefanski stated, “I had a lot of reasons for wanting to win this game, but one of them was so I can give that game ball to Cheryl Donovan and Meghan Donovan.” “Jim Donovan played a crucial role in this organization. I was friends with him. He will be missed. However, many people will always appreciate his passion and personality, and this football team will not be the same. However, these people engaged in fierce combat. I can go give them a game ball, and I’m proud of it,” Stefanski remarked.
“Coach will present his family with the game ball. Every game ball is something he deserves. It was fantastic to win for him, and he is a true member of this family,” Joel Bitonio said. Myles Garrett discussed the legacy of Donovan. From my first sack to some of the last ones, he has been calling plays. We all experienced this difficult loss, and we are grateful for everything he has contributed to being a Brown and to this organization because no one else was like him. In an August letter to Browns supporters, Donovan thanked them for their support before he was forced to stand down.
“I’ve been calling Browns games for twenty-five years. “I have never gone a day without pausing to express my pride in being ‘The Voice of the Browns,'” he wrote. “Thank you for all of your love, prayers, and support during my difficult times, Cheryl, Meghan, and I.” It is similar to being surrounded by a large family. And the Cleveland Browns are so unique because of that. Yes, you do.
A bone marrow transplant was performed on him in 2011 after he was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2000. Donovan declared in May 2023 that he had experienced a leukemia relapse and would be undergoing more intensive treatment. Saturday was Jim Donovan’s death. His age was 68. Plans to commemorate his life are still in the works.
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