Jim Donovan, iconic Cleveland Browns play-by-play announcer, has passed away at age 68, ending a career that spanned over 40 years in sports broadcasting.
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After retiring earlier this year to focus on his health, Donovan stepped back from Browns games while bravely battling cancer, leaving fans and colleagues heartbroken.
Image Credit: WikipediaCommon
Known as “The Voice of the Browns” since 1999, Donovan brought passion and dedication, making every game an unforgettable experience for Cleveland fans.
Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam described Donovan's influence on the organization as "immeasurable," honoring his legacy as one of the team’s most cherished voices.
A Boston native, Donovan captured Cleveland’s heart with his humor, professionalism, and attention to detail, qualities that endeared him to sports enthusiasts across the city.
Inducted into the Browns’ Legends Club and Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame, Donovan couldn’t attend due to his health but remains an immortal figure in Cleveland sports.
In a heartfelt August letter, Donovan expressed deep gratitude to Browns fans, likening them to a “huge family” for their support through his health battles.
Diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2000, Donovan faced cancer with resilience, undergoing a bone marrow transplant in 2011 to return to his passion.
Graduating from Boston University, Donovan moved to Cleveland in 1985, eventually becoming a central figure covering the city’s major sports teams.
Beyond the Browns, Donovan’s career included national assignments with NBC, covering the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics, solidifying his legacy as a broadcasting legend.