October 26, 2024 – Cleveland, OH – Jim Donovan, the longtime voice of the Browns on their radio broadcasts, is no longer with us as he took his last breath at age 68. Donovan was an integral part of sports broadcasting for several decades, voicing the games of the Brown’s. He became an inseparable part of the team’s identity and an adored figure of fans across town.
Legacy for More Than Three Decades
The year 1999 was a starting point for Donovan with the Browns as a play-by-play announcer, right when the team returned to the NFL. A few years after his voice pivoted brightly through the ups and downs in Browns football for millions of listeners. Whether it be through the struggle-filled seasons or days of glory, Donovan’s enthusiasm never seemed to falter as he formed a deep connection with the fans through his broadcasts.
Outside of his radio work, Donovan was the high-profile sportscaster at WKYC Channel 3 in Cleveland, where for more than four decades, he covered everything from NFL action to local sports. In addition, his versatility and professionalism throughout the years have earned him numerous accolades, which have elevated him beyond just football.
A Fight Against Health Issues
Donovan’s death came after his long and brave fight against leukemia. Diagnosed back in 2000, he never stopped calling Browns games while fighting his illness, thus inspiring others with his grit. In 2011, Donovan received a bone marrow transplant that gifted him with a number of additional years in the broadcast booth-a place he indeed loved. Unfortunately, the disease recurred in recent years, forcing him to step away from duties earlier this year to devote himself to his health.
Fans and colleagues alike take to social media to pay their respects to Donovan after he died. Shock reverberates throughout the Browns community over news of the passing of Donovan. Gamers, coaches, fans, and broadcasters make touching tributes to their social media accounts, grateful for the years of service and dedication that he had shown to the team.
Jim Donovan was the heart and soul of Browns football,” the Cleveland Browns said in an official statement. “His voice will always be echoing in our minds as it called out some of the most memorable moments in Browns history. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
WKYC also released a statement: “Jim’s passion for Cleveland sports and the way he told those stories were second to none. His legacy will live on in every fan who ever flipped on the television to hear him call a game.”
A Voice that Defined an Era
Donovan was more than an announcer; he connected the Browns to their faithful, and his calls ranged from game-winning emotional touchdowns to heartbreaking losses that told the tale of Cleveland football. His signature phrase, “He’s in! Touchdown Browns!” will be forever remembered for generations.
Outside the booth, Donovan was a warm personality, professional, and committed to storytelling. He mentored many young broadcasters to pursue the passion with authenticity and verve.
Arrangements for Funeral, Public Memorial
The Donovan family, for this reason, has asked for privacy as they prepare for funeral arrangements. The Browns organization is planning a public memorial service to serve as a tribute to Donovan’s contributions, thus enabling his many friends and associates to show their respect accordingly.
The passing of Jim Donovan leaves a huge void in the broadcast booth and a bigger one in the hearts of anyone who has ever loved Browns football. There will be future games, of course, but they just won’t sound the same without his voice-one that fans have grown so accustomed to in calling the action. He will always be remembered as a lighthouse to passion, perseverance, and commitment to the community of Cleveland sports.
