Jim Donovan On Life As The Voice Of The Browns

The Cleveland Browns haven’t won much since their 1999 rebirth, but they’ve still sounded great on the radio. Mixing insightful analysis with infectious enthusiasm as the team’s radio play-by-play announcer on ESPN 850 WKNR, 92.3 The Fan and 98.5 WNCX, WKYC Channel 3 anchor Jim Donovan has been there with us through ups and downs (and downs).

After 20 years behind the mic, he lifts the lid on lessons he’s learned as the radio voice of the Browns, some of his memorable calls and his press booth companion, former Browns offensive tackle Doug Dieken.

Cleveland fans are incredibly patient. Even after a one-win season, and definitely the no-win season, they always come back. 

The year they went 1-15, the day they won was Christmas Eve. From the crowd reaction, you would’ve thought we were headed to the AFC Championship game. 

They say that radio is about painting a picture for the listeners. Some of those losing seasons were tough to paint. 

People want an honest broadcast. When they’re playing badly, you have to be honest. 

The Browns never pulled the leash on us and said, “Hey, take it easy.” 

Last year, people asked me, “What will you say when the Browns finally win?” I thought to myself, “Geez, maybe I should work on something good.” 

I didn’t, though. “Is this how it feels?” just came out. It was an honest feeling. 

Preparing for games means lots of studying and memorizing. When I take my dog for walks, I’ll create the game, do a quarter either in my head or out loud. To my dog, the Browns are great. I always have them winning. 

I would do anything for Doug [Dieken], and he would do anything for me. We are best friends. 

This is a revered job because of everyone who came before me. Guys like Gib Shanley, Nev Chandler and Casey Coleman. Once you get this job, you really want to hold onto it. 

It’s tough to win in the NFL. Make a bad decision, whether in the front office or with a blown draft pick, and it’s tough to put a Band-Aid over it. 

In 2002, it was the end of the regular season and the Browns had to win to make the playoffs. William Green was always a half-step away from breaking a big run. Finally, he gets this play where the blocks are perfect, he gets through the first wave and it was just, “Run, William, Run!” 

That was the moment it felt like the Browns were back. It’s those moments that drove me to press hard for this job in the first place.