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 crew introduced the loss on Saturday … with house owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam saying it’s an “extremely troublesome day” for the group.
Donovan grew to become the “Voice of the Cleveland Browns” upon the crew’s return to the NFL in 1999 … and held the function for 25 seasons. Regardless of the crew’s total lack of success throughout his tenure, the Boston native famously maintained an optimistic method to every gameday.
Donovan was first recognized with most cancers in 2000 … and underwent a bone marrow transplant in 2011, in response to the Browns. In Could 2023, he had a relapse of the leukemia, which required extra aggressive therapy.
He stepped away from the microphone previous to the 2024 common season to concentrate on 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 impression because the Voice of the Browns for 25 years is immeasurable as he touched the lives of our followers every Sunday along with his love for the Browns and his brilliance at his craft,” the Haslams stated.
“He can be vastly missed, however he cemented a legacy that may stay on eternally. The one factor that outweighed his love for this metropolis and this crew was the love he had for his household.”
“Our ideas and prayers are along with his spouse, Cheryl, his daughter, Meghan, and everybody who was lucky sufficient to name Jimmy household or good friend.”
Donovan was honored by the group this previous September … being inducted into the 2024 Class of Browns Legends.
RIP