Jim Donovan the Voice of the Browns has passed away at 68
In sports, a great call is as iconic as the play itself. Over the decades men and women have lent their talents and words in order to provide us with commentary as well as expressions conveying the biggest moments in sports history to their audiences with masterful skill. Sadly, Cleveland has lost one of their longtime greats.
On Sunday, the organization announced that Jim Donovan, the Voice of the Browns, has passed away at 68 years old.
For over two decades, Jim Donovan is the heart and soul of the Browns broadcasts. A true legendary sportscaster on radio and television. Unfortunately, Jim had been dealing with health issues. And lost his battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Sunday morning, Cleveland Browns Managing and Principal Partners Dee and Jimmy Haslam release a joint statement to the press. They state,
“This is an incredibly difficult day for us and the entire Cleveland Browns organization. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jim Donovan. His impact as the Voice of the Browns for 25 years is immeasurable as he touched the lives of our fans each and every Sunday with his love for the Browns and his brilliance at his craft.
He will be greatly missed, but he cemented a legacy that will live on forever. The only thing that outweighed his love for this city and this team was the love he had for his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Cheryl, his daughter, Meghan, and everyone who was fortunate enough to call Jimmy family or friend.”
Jim Donovan the Voice of the Browns has passed away at 68
Furthermore, the Browns organization also released a statement regarding Donovan online and through social media platforms. They mention,
“We are heartbroken that Jim Donovan, the Voice of the Browns, has passed away. 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 that tuned in. His signature calls will be forever embedded in Browns history. Our thoughts are with Jim’s family and everyone who had the immense pleasure of considering him a friend.
Donovan was first named as the radio “Voice of the Cleveland Browns” in 1999, when the franchise returned from a three-year hiatus, and completed his 25th season in 2023. Over the course of his storied career, Donovan had signature calls that highlighted his career and are permanently etched in Browns lore. From his “Run, William, run” call in 2002 – in reference to RB William Green’s 64-yard touchdown run in a playoff-clinching win against the Falcons – to his “Is this how it feels?” call when the Browns defeated the Jets in Week 3 of the 2018 season – the team’s first victory in 635 days – Donovan’s calls are embedded into countless moments of the last generation of Browns’ history.”
Also, who can forget 2023? Where the Browns clinch a playoff berth on Thursday Night Football against the Jets. As the game concludes, Donovan thrillingly heralds, “That’s it! The Browns are going to the playoffs! The postseason is back in Cleveland!” Brilliant. Jim Donovan will certainly be missed. We send our condolences, and our thoughts are with the Donovan family, friends and Cleveland fans.
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