Tragic information for the Cleveland Browns — beloved play-by-play announcer Jim Donovan has handed away at 68 years previous after a battle with persistent lymphocytic leukemia.
The staff introduced the loss on Saturday … with house owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam saying it’s an “incredibly difficult day” for the group.
Donovan grew to become the “Voice of the Cleveland Browns” upon the staff’s return to the NFL in 1999 … and held the position for 25 seasons. Regardless of the staff’s total lack of success throughout his tenure, the Boston native famously maintained an optimistic strategy to every sport day.
Donovan was first recognized with most cancers in 2000 … and underwent a bone marrow transplant in 2011, based on the Browns. In Could 2023, he had a relapse of leukemia, which required extra aggressive therapy.
He stepped away from the microphone previous to the 2024 common season to deal with his well being.
Donovan additionally served as a sports activities anchor for WKYC for 39 years … earlier than asserting his retirement this previous Could — and making his final look a month later.
“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,” the Haslams mentioned.
“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.”
Donovan was honored by the group this previous September … being inducted into the 2024 Class of Browns Legends.
Jim was 68.
RIP
