Jim Donovan (1956–2024), voice of the Cleveland Browns
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2 min readJim Donovan was a sportscaster best known for his long tenure as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Cleveland Browns.
- Died: October 26, 2024 (Who else died on October 26?)
- Details of death: Died in Cleveland of chronic lymphocytic leukemia at the age of 68.
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Jim Donovan’s legacy
Donovan was destined to be a sportscaster since his childhood, when he would call plays into a handheld tape recorder while attending Boston Bruins games with his father. Encouraged to pursue his dream by Bobby Orr when he had a chance to meet the Bruins great and play him some examples of his work, Donovan went for it. He worked at his college radio station at Boston University and secured a job at WJON radio in St. Cloud, Minnesota as a fresh college graduate.
Donovan worked in a variety of radio markets before landing in Cleveland in 1985. There, he joined the team at WKYC, reporting both news and sports. In 1999, when the Browns returned to the NFL after several years on hiatus, Donovan became their radio voice. He stayed in that role until retiring at the beginning of the 2024 season as he fought leukemia.
Over the years, Donovan became beloved by Browns fans for his enthusiasm, humor, and knowledge of the game. Just a month before his death, he was named a Cleveland Browns Legend. Among his memorable catchphrases was “Run, William, run!” He delivered it during the Browns’ quest for the playoffs in 2002, referring to running back William Green’s unforgettable 64-yard touchdown run.
In addition to his work for the Browns, Donovan also called play-by-play for NBC Sports coverage of the NFL from 1987 to 1997. He covered swimming and soccer for NBC for the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics, and he called the World Cup in 1994.
Notable quote
“When you come from out of town and you come into a city, sometimes, you only think you’re going to be there a couple of years at best, and so, to be here 31 years and have everything that’s happened to me here in Cleveland, it’s just really amazing.” — from a 2016 interview for WKYC
Tributes to Jim Donovan
Full obituary: The Athletic
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