Jim Donovan, the longtime radio voice of the Cleveland Browns, is stepping away from the booth as he continues to battle leukemia, the team announced on Thursday.
Donovan has previously missed games due to his illness but now will be stepping aside. He first announced that he had been battling leukemia for 10 years in 2011, with the illness causing him to take a leave for the first time in order to receive a bone marrow transplant that was successful.
More recently, Donovan announced on May 31, 2023, that the leukemia had returned and that treatment was needed. He was in the booth for the season-opening Browns victory over the Cincinnati Bengals before stepping aside for two months while undergoing treatment. Donovan returned to the booth on Nov. 19, as the Browns beat the Pittsburgh Steelers at home.
Donovan released a statement through the team on Thursday afternoon.
“Hello Browns Fans Everywhere:
Well, the regular season is finally here! Can you imagine the atmosphere inside Browns Stadium when the Cowboys and Browns kick it off? It will be electric. It will be epic.
Unfortunately, I will not be calling the game on the Browns Radio Network. I have called my last Browns game and that’s why I’m writing to you. As many of you know I have been dealing with cancer for many years. I’ve gone through every treatment imaginable. But my cancer is a defiant opponent and has returned and very aggressively. This will require me to devote everything I have in me to continue the fight and my family and I are committed to doing that.
I have called Browns games for 25 years. Not a day has gone by when I haven’t paused and been so proud to be “The Voice of the Browns.” Cheryl, Meghan and I thank you for all the love, support and prayers during my rough patches. It’s like having a huge family around us. And that’s what makes the Cleveland Browns so special. aYou do.
Now let’s get those Cowboys and make this ‘24-’25 season a great one! I’ll be watching and listening. Here We Go Brownies…Here We Go!
It’s been an honor.”
Donovan has been the only full-time radio voice of the Browns since the team returned to action in 1999. Until he retired from WKYC in mid-June, Donovan had worked there since 1985, with a nearly 30-year run as sports director that began in 1986. He also was a broadcaster for the then-Cleveland Indians while WKYC had the team’s over-the-air rights from 2006 until 2008.
The team has not yet announced who will be taking over for Donovan in the booth this season. The Browns begin the regular season on Sunday, Sept. 8 at home against the Dallas Cowboys.
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