Jim Donovan, the beloved voice of the Cleveland Browns and a longtime sports anchor at WKYC, has died at the age of 68.
Donovan, who began calling games on the Browns Radio Network upon their return to the NFL in 1999, followed in the footsteps of legendary Browns play-by-play voices Gib Shanley, Nev Chandler and Casey Coleman.
The Boston native quickly became one of Cleveland's favorite adopted sons as the voice of the Browns on radio dials every Sunday for 25 years.
We are heartbroken that Jim Donovan, the Voice of the Browns, has passed away.
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 26, 2024
Jim provided so much joy and love to this city. His steady presence on the radio for Browns games and on television for nightly news made it feel like he was an extended family member for all those… pic.twitter.com/ASYOzIKK7G
However, Donovan was diagnosed with leukemia in 2000 and underwent a bone marrow transplant in 2011.
In 2023, Donovan announced he was taking a medical leave of absence as he continued his treatment for leukemia. He returned to the booth during Week 11 of the 2023-2024 season. That week, Donovan served as the Dawg Pound Captain, bringing remarkable energy to the stadium ahead of game day.
RELATED:Voice of the Browns Jim Donovan smashes guitar as Dawg Pound Captain for game against Steelers
This past August, Donovan announced his retirement from the Browns so he could focus on his battle with cancer. He also did his last broadcast for WKYC in June, where he had worked since 1985.
In honor of Donovan's legacy with the team, he was inducted into the 2024 class of Browns Legend in September, an honor reserved for players who made an unforgettable impact in orange and brown, and now, a man who didn't play but certainly left his impact on the organization.
RELATED: Longtime Voice of the Browns Jim Donovan being inducted into 2024 class of Browns Legends
Governor Mike DeWine extended his condolences to Donovan's family after hearing the news of Donovan's passing.
Andrew Siciliano, who was named the new Cleveland Browns announcer in September, talked about Donovan's character and said he is "heartbroken."
Jim was the greatest. He was kind. He was giving. He was an inspiration. I am heartbroken.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) October 26, 2024
Browns fans, the smile and joy that came through the radio on game day was real. Jim loved you as much as you loved him. He will always be the soundtrack of our football lives. He will… https://t.co/3VDWSs3yZ0
Browns analyst Nathan Zegura posted a photo of him and Donovan to X with a message discussing their time together.
There are no words to accurately describe what Jim Donovan meant to me as a mentor, as a broadcasting hero, as a partner and most importantly as a friend. It was an absolute honor and privilege to get to know him, to get to work with him, to get to laugh with him and to even cry… pic.twitter.com/G6lvGeehEt
— Nathan Zegura (@NathanZegura) October 26, 2024
Former Browns Left Tackle Joe Thomas took to X to share his sorrow after hearing about the passing of the former Browns announcer.
I was incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Jim Donovan today.
— Joe Thomas (@joethomas73) October 26, 2024
The best in the business was quite literally the voice of Cleveland fans since the team returned in 1999; and for those of us that were lucky enough to get to work with him on a daily basis, you realized… https://t.co/K5OYfHQqH5
Bernie Kosar, former Browns quarterback, shared a video of Donovan on X, adding that Donovan will be missed.
Jim Donovan We Are Going to Miss U 🙏🏼 Luv U Brother 🙏🏼Our Thoughts,Actions & Prayers are there ForU Cheryl & Awesome daughter Meghan🙏🏼 #UMatter #JimDonovan #Browns #Dawgpound @wkyc https://t.co/a834Gs3FSU pic.twitter.com/3kWmxSagon
— Bernie Kosar (@BernieKosarQB) October 26, 2024
Donovan is survived by his wife, Cheryl and daughter Meghan. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, the entire team at WKYC, and the Cleveland Browns Radio Network.
A sad day for Brown fans everywhere.
