Jim Donovan, 'Voice of the Cleveland Browns' Dies at 68

In a letter Donovan wrote to Browns fans at the end of the 2024 preseason, Donovan announced that he was stepping down from the Browns Radio Network to focus on his battle with cancer, which has returned and is taking an aggressive approach. Donovan was inducted into the 2024 Class of Browns Legends on September 22, along with Phil Dawson, who personally broke the news to Donovan shortly before the ceremony. Donovan's daughter Meghan accepted the Browns Legends jacket on Donovan's behalf during the ceremony.

“He kept it real, but he kept a positive tone to it,” Dawson said of Donovan's calls. “He always found that balance – authentic, real, accurate, but supportive even when there wasn't much to support. And I know the players appreciated that. I know I certainly appreciated that. He was there to try to provide context. , he really had a knack for letting people focus on just one individual moment. It was always 'Go Browns,' so that everyone kept it real and understood what was going on.”

Donovan was first diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2000, beginning a decade-long battle with the disease. He underwent a successful bone marrow transplant in the summer of 2011 and monitored the disease for the following years. Donovan announced in May 2023 that he had relapsed with leukemia and would undergo more aggressive treatment.

During the 2023 season opener against the Bengals in September, Donovan announced he would be taking a medical leave of absence from the Browns Radio Network as he continues treatment for leukemia. He listened to all the Browns games and followed the team as it endured the ups and downs of 2023.

He returned to the radio booth in November for Week 11 of the 2023 season, when he also served as the Doug Pound captain and broke out a Steelers-themed guitar before kickoff. Emerging from the tunnel, Donovan broke into a smile in front of the crowd, as now-Huntington Bank Field erupted in cheers and applause. Minutes after breaking out the guitar, Donovan climbed into the radio booth with his headset on, calling the Browns' 13-10 victory over the Steelers.

Donovan announced his retirement from WKYC on May 30, 2024. He served his final broadcast as a sports anchor on 10 June.