Legendary sports reporter Jim Donovan, aka 'The Voice' of Cleveland Browns, dies at 68

CLEVELAND, OHIO: Cleveland is mourning the loss of Jim Donovan, the iconic local sports reporter and beloved “The Voice of the Browns,” following his death from cancer at the age of 68.

Donovan’s former employers at WKYC shared the news on Saturday afternoon, just four months after he retired from the station, ending an impressive 39-year career.

Donovan was known as the 'The Voice of the Browns' for 25 years. Although he initially planned to continue in his role post-retirement, his battle with cancer forced him to step away when the disease returned with aggression.

Jim Donovan's memorable career as 'The Voice' of Cleveland Browns

Jim Donovan's energetic commentary left a lasting impact on Cleveland Browns fans nationwide.

His enthusiastic calls, including his iconic line, “Run, William, Run,” as William Green drove the Browns toward a playoff berth in 2002, will always be remembered by fans.

Donovan’s talent extended beyond the Browns; from 1987 to 1997, he also called NFL games for NBC, covered two Summer Olympics, and a World Cup, and even spent three years covering Cleveland Indians baseball on WKYC when the station held the team’s local broadcasting rights.

In 2000, Donovan was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a condition he initially kept private.

To maintain his anonymity, he took great lengths, sneaking in and out of doctor’s appointments through back doors to avoid recognition.

In a 2018 interview with The Athletic, Donovan reflected on his experience, saying, “Sometimes I feel bad that I didn’t tell the story earlier. I was so scared. I did everything wrong."

He added, "I didn’t ask a lot of questions because I was afraid of the answers. And then finally you just get to the point where you just say, ‘Hey, people want to help you.’”

Jim Donovan's Leukemia returned in 2023 forcing him to retire

Jim Donovan’s leukemia reappeared after the Cleveland Browns’ 2023 season opener, prompting him to take a medical leave of absence.

Though he returned to the booth two months later, he shocked Cleveland when he announced his retirement in August due to his worsening condition.

"My cancer is a defiant opponent and has returned and very aggressively," Donovan wrote in his retirement announcement, adding that he and his family were "committed" to continuing the fight.

Cleveland Browns mourn Jim Donovan's loss

Following Jim Donovan's death, Cleveland Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam shared a heartfelt statement, saying, "This is an incredibly difficult day for us and the entire Cleveland Browns organization."

"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," they added.

"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," they said.

Adding, "Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Cheryl, his daughter, Meghan, and everyone who was fortunate enough to call Jimmy family or friend."

"We are heartbroken that Jim Donovan, the Voice of the Browns, has passed away," Cleveland Browns wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

They said he was sort of an "extended family member" for his nightly news, adding, "His signature calls will be forever embedded in Browns history."

Jim Donovan Hall of Fame induction and letter of gratitude 

In the months before his death, Jim Donovan was inducted into the Browns' Legends Club and the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame.

Though too ill to attend these honors in person, his gratitude toward Browns fans and the Cleveland community remained strong.

When he stepped down in August, Donovan penned a letter to Browns fans expressing his appreciation. “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,’” he wrote, as per ESPN.

"Cheryl, Meghan, and I thank you for all the love, support, and prayers during my rough patches," Donovan wrote.

He added, "It’s like having a huge family around us. And that’s what makes the Cleveland Browns so special. You do."