There was a profound sense of sorrow at the Cleveland Browns Stadium this Saturday. Jim Donovan, the voice that had brought Cleveland Browns games to life for 25 years, passed away at the age of 68 after his courageous battle with cancer. Even the high school head coach expressed his grief over this unfortunate incident.

Today, Olmsted Falls head coach Dominique Love took to X to share his heartfelt tribute to the late Jim Donovan, who lost his life battling cancer, saying, “Rest peacefully, Jim. One of the best to ever do it. He was 1:1. 🙏🏽 🤎 🫶🏽 🧡 🏈 #DawgPound @Browns” Donovon was the longtime radio play-by-play announcer for the Cleveland Browns.

Dominique shared the tweet, which was posted by the Cleveland Browns team, saying, “We are heartbroken that Jim Donovan, the Voice of the Browns, has passed away. Jim provided so much joy and love to this city. His steady presence on the radio for Browns games and on television for nightly news made it feel like he was an extended family member for all those that tuned in. His signature calls will be forever embedded in Browns history. Our thoughts are with Jim’s family and everyone who had the immense pleasure of considering him a friend.”

The impact that Jim Donovan had on the Browns is exemplary. Jim’s calls became synonymous with Brown’s football games, serving as the captivating soundtrack for the fans. The intense and raw emotion of his iconic call, “Run, William, Run,” for running back William Green during their victory against Atlanta in 2002, which still resonates in the ears of his fans.

Moreover, in 2018, Jim Donovan’s heartfelt exclamation, “Is this how it feels?” perfectly encapsulated the joy in every fan’s heart after the team won against the Jets. This was after Browns ended their 19-losing streak, and what’s better than getting the thrills in Jim’s voice? Let’s learn more about Jim’s early life and his battle with cancer.

Jim Donovan’s early life and battle with cancer

For twenty-five years, Donovan’s voice eloquently narrated the tale of Cleveland Browns football. His journey began in Boston’s historic Garden, specifically Section 77, Row F, Seat 13, as reported by The Athletic. A young boy sat beside his father there, speaking into a tape recorder. That was the beginning of his unbeatable aura. Who could have predicted that he would impact so many lives one day? Jim’s association with Cleveland commenced in 1999, marking the start of his passionate and enduring love affair with the Browns.

Talking about his battle with cancer, it all began in 2011, when Jim revealed that he had been fighting leukemia for a decade. However, he managed to overcome it after a successful bone marrow transplant. Unfortunately, in 2023, Jim’s leukemia returned, and he had to seek treatment once again. And his era finally ended in August 2024 when Jim announced his retirement. And expressed his deep affection for Cleveland in a heartfelt letter, saying, “For 25 years, I have had the privilege of calling Browns games. Not a single day has passed without me feeling immense pride as the voice of the Browns.” These words reflect the love he had for the team. Let’s hope his soul finds peace in heaven.