CLEVELAND — On Friday, Jim Donovan, beloved former WKYC sports anchor and radio voice of the Cleveland Browns for 25 seasons, passed away after a lengthy battle with leukemia.
The news is heartbreaking for everyone who knew and worked with Donovan over his 39 years at WKYC, as well as our local 3News viewers and Cleveland Browns fans everywhere.
“It’s hard to overstate Jimmy’s impact on all sports, all teams, all fans here in Northeast Ohio," , said WKYC President and General Manager Micki Byrnes in a statement. "His passion and love for the game was truly unique. We’ve all lost someone very special, and our thoughts and prayers stay with his wife Cheryl and daughter Meghan.”
Since the news was shared, tributes and words of remembrances have poured in. Here are some of the reactions from Cleveland Browns leaders and players, Jimmy's former colleagues and more.
Dee and Jimmy Haslam, Cleveland Browns owners
“This is an incredibly difficult day for us and the entire Cleveland Browns organization. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jim Donovan. His impact as the Voice of the Browns for 25 years is immeasurable as he touched the lives of our fans each and every Sunday with his love for the Browns and his brilliance at his craft.
“He will be greatly missed, but he cemented a legacy that will live on forever. The only thing that outweighed his love for this city and this team was the love he had for his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Cheryl, his daughter, Meghan, and everyone who was fortunate enough to call Jimmy family or friend.”
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb
"Today, Cleveland lost a voice that brought joy, energy, and heart to our community. Jim Donovan wasn’t just a legendary sportscaster—he was part of our city’s fabric. His passion for Cleveland sports was unmatched, and he’ll be missed by fans and friends alike. Rest in peace, Jim. Your legacy lives on in every game, every cheer, and every story you shared with us."
Nathan Zegura, Cleveland Browns color analyst
"There are no words to accurately describe what Jim Donovan meant to me as a mentor, as a broadcasting hero, as a partner and most importantly as a friend. It was an absolute honor and privilege to get to know him, to get to work with him, to get to laugh with him and to even cry with him. He will always be the voice of the Browns and I will always be grateful for the time we had together. I love you Jim Donovan and everytime I call a game, the only thing missing will be YOU."
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine
"Fran and I are saddened to learn of the death of longtime Cleveland Browns radio play-by-play announcer Jim Donovan. For a quarter century, Jim was the voice of the Browns on radio locally and for Browns fans across the country tuning in to hear each week’s game. I enjoyed talking with Jim over the years during his time at WKYC, both about Ohio sports and about important news. Fran and I extend our sincerest condolences to Jim’s wife, Cheryl, his daughter, Meghan, and all knew and loved Jim Donovan."
Bernie Kosar, legendary Cleveland Browns quarterback
Joe Thomas, NFL Network analyst and former Cleveland Browns offensive tackle
"I was incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Jim Donovan today. The best in the business was quite literally the voice of Cleveland fans since the team returned in 1999; and for those of us that were lucky enough to get to work with him on a daily basis, you realized that as great of a play-by-play guy as he was, he was an even more wonderful human being."
Andrew Siciliano, Cleveland Browns play-by-play announcer
"Jim was the greatest. He was kind. He was giving. He was an inspiration. I am heartbroken. Browns fans, the smile and joy that came through the radio on game day was real. Jim loved you as much as you loved him. He will always be the soundtrack of our football lives. He will always be the 'Voice of the Browns.'"
Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown
"Jim Donovan made Clevelanders feel like they were at every Browns game. Connie and I join Browns fans across the state in mourning the loss of a giant. Our thoughts are with his family."
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne
"He pulled you into the game like you were there. And he led a life of true courage. Jim Donovan will be truly missed but never forgotten."
Nick Camino, WKYC sports anchor
Maureen Kyle, 3News Contributor
"Jim will always be a legend. I’ve known him most of my life. He was brilliant, full of energy and loved Cleveland sports. But most of all, he adored his wife and daughter. He lit up every time we talked about them. Pray for them in this time of loss. And always remember how Jim was the heartbeat of CLE sports. RIP Jimmy ❤️"