The voice of the Browns since the team’s rebirth in 1999
According to multiple sources former Cleveland Browns radio voice Jim Donovan has died after several bouts of cancer over the last several years. Donovan became the team’s play-by-play announcer when it was reborn as an expansion franchise in 1999. Three years earlier the team was moved to Baltimore and became the Ravens.
Donovan was beloved by fans and those who knew him. For 25 years he called games for Browns’ radio broadcasts and for the vast majority of those with color commentator Doug Dieken, who spent 37 years holding down that position after a career at offensive tackle for Cleveland. Donovan’s career prior to joining the Browns was accomplished in various capacities of sports broadcasting.
In June of this year Donovan stepped down from his position as news anchor for WKYC, a position he had held for 39 years.
This was the kind of energy Jimmy Donovan always brought. So funny, upbeat, helpful, kind. I will cherish these moments forever. #Browns pic.twitter.com/vzjPmhBKNB
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) October 26, 2024
Donovan had to abruptly retire from the radio position with the team before the 2024 season. Andrew Siciliano has taken over the role.
While unfortunately Donovan never got to call a Browns’ Super Bowl appearance as he so desired to do, he was behind the mic when the team beat Pittsburgh in back to back weeks at the end of the 2020 season and make the playoffs for the first time since 2002. He was also at the helm last season when the team returned to the playoffs after an improbable late season string of success.
Of course that 2002 playoff run was also called by Donovan and Dieken, and while it started off 2-4 the team rattled off seven wins in ten games just three years after expansion In the final week of the regular season the team had to beat the Atlanta Falcons in order to make the playoffs. At a crucial moment in the contest, Donovan had his finest moment:
When the cancer caused him to retire, he wrote a letter of appreciation to the Browns’ fanbase:
“I have called Browns games for 25 years. Not a day has gone by when I haven’t paused and been so proud to be ‘The Voice of the Browns. Cheryl, Meghan and I thank you for all the love, support and prayers during my rough patches. It’s like having a huge family around us. And that’s what makes the Cleveland Browns so special. You do.”
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports