Legendary Cleveland Sportscaster Jim Donovan Passes Away at 68

Cleveland, Ohio - The city of Cleveland is mourning the loss of its beloved sportscaster, Jim Donovan, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 68 after a long battle with leukemia. Donovan was a legendary figure in Cleveland sports, serving as the play-by-play announcer for the Cleveland Browns for 25 seasons, as well as a TV sports anchor for over four decades.

A Legacy of Broadcasting Excellence

Donovan's broadcasting career spanned over 40 years, during which he became an integral part of the Cleveland sports landscape. He first joined WKYC channel 3 in Cleveland in 1985 as a weekend sports anchor and went on to become the sports director and news anchor for the station. In 1999, Donovan was named as the radio "Voice of the Cleveland Browns" and completed his 25th season as the radio play-by-play announcer for the team in 2023.

Donovan's love for sports and his passion for broadcasting made him a beloved figure in Cleveland. He was known for his unique voice, his ability to paint a picture with words, and his dedication to the teams and players he covered. As a sports anchor, Donovan covered a wide range of sports events, including Browns games, Cavs games, and Indians games. He was also a fixture at local sporting events, often reporting live from the scene.

A Tribute to a Legendary Broadcaster

The Cleveland Browns paid tribute to Donovan before their game against the Ravens, with a touching pregame ceremony that included a moment of silence. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski also honored Donovan's memory by presenting the game ball to his family. "I told you guys I would love nothing more than to give this game ball to the family of Jim Donovan," said Stefanski.

Donovan's passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans, friends, and colleagues. "Simply put, Jim Donovan was the best local sportscaster I have ever seen," said one fan. "I felt that when I first saw him in 1986 and I came to know that when I finally had the opportunity to work with him."

Browns quarterback Jameis Winston also paid tribute to Donovan, saying "Jim Donovan was an iconic figure in Cleveland sports. He was a true legend and will be deeply missed."

A Lasting Legacy

Jim Donovan's legacy will live on in the hearts of Cleveland sports fans. His passion for sports, his dedication to his craft, and his love for the city of Cleveland will never be forgotten. As the "Voice of the Browns," Donovan brought joy and excitement to countless fans, and his passing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.

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