Jim Donovan, the legendary “Voice of the Browns,” has passed away at the age of 68, leaving an indelible mark on Cleveland and the hearts of its people. After a courageous battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Donovan’s voice may have gone silent, but his legacy resounds as powerfully as ever in the city he so deeply loved and served. For nearly 25 years, Jim Donovan brought Browns football into our lives with a passion that could only come from someone who understood what it meant to be a Clevelander.
Since 1999, Jim wasn’t just a voice on the radio. He was our companion, our storyteller, the voice of our hope and heartbreak. He was the one who understood that being a Browns fan is about more than wins or losses—it’s about sticking with family, through thick and thin, no matter the odds. . His calls — moments of joy and heartbreak alike — encapsulated the soul of a city and its fans. Whether he was calling out “Run, William, run!” during a pivotal 2002 playoff-clinching win or joyfully proclaiming “The Browns are going to the playoffs!” after a long-awaited triumph, Donovan’s words transcended the game.
Outside of broadcasting, Donovan found joy and fulfillment in his family life. Married to Cheryl for over three decades, their partnership was a source of stability and support throughout his career. Their daughter, Meghan, was a constant source of pride and joy, a testament to Donovan’s devotion to both his work and his family.
Jim’s life was marked by the same grit that defines our city. In 2000, he was diagnosed with leukemia—a battle no one should have to face alone, but one that he took on with dignity and determination. He didn’t step away. Instead, he kept coming back to us, season after season, calling our games with that same unwavering passion.He fought through relapses and underwent a successful bone marrow transplant in 2011, but the disease resurfaced in recent years, ultimately leading to his retirement in 2024. Though his health challenges were profound, his dedication to his role never wavered, and his resilience became an inspiration to the fans he cherished.
Cleveland Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam expressed the depth of their loss, describing Donovan’s impact as “immeasurable.” They honored him as a man who lifted the team and its fans each Sunday with his boundless passion and authenticity. His commitment, they said, will forever be woven into the Browns’ history. His longtime colleagues and close friends echoed this sentiment, remembering him as both a deeply respected professional and a true friend.
Donovan’s voice — genuine, uplifting, and always fair — reflected his unique gift for telling the truth while encouraging hope. Former players, such as Phil Dawson, recalled his ability to bring fans a grounded, honest perspective, even through difficult seasons, and to always find the heart of every moment. Born in Boston and a Boston University alumnus, Donovan came to Cleveland in 1985 and quickly embraced its people, making a name for himself on both the local and national stages, calling NFL games for NBC, as well as the Olympics and World Cup Soccer.
As news of Donovan’s passing spreads, tributes pour in from colleagues, fans, and public figures alike, all echoing the sentiment that Cleveland has lost not only a talented broadcaster but a true ambassador for the city and its sporting spirit.In his final message to Browns fans, he spoke of his profound pride and gratitude, calling them his “huge family.” His words, as always, went beyond the field — reminding fans of the sense of community he so cherished.
Donovan leaves behind his wife, Cheryl, and daughter, Meghan, who stood by him in his journey. In honoring Jim Donovan’s memory, Cleveland celebrates a life well-lived and a career that enriched the lives of countless sports enthusiasts. His voice may be silent, but his impact resonates throughout the city he loved and the hearts of those who had the privilege of hearing him call a game or share a story.Arrangements to honor his life are forthcoming, but his presence, woven into Cleveland’s spirit, will forever be a source of inspiration and pride.