CLEVELAND — The Browns stun the Baltimore Ravens in Cleveland, 29-24. They played their best game of the season against the toughest opponent they've faced and they win the game.
Is there any other way to explain today than Jim Donovan playing a part in this victory? Justin Tucker — perhaps the greatest kicker of all time — missing a field well within his range late? Kyle Hamilton of the Ravens dropping the easiest interception you'll ever see? Jameis Winston throwing a perfect touchdown pass that proved to be the game-winner for the Browns?
It couldn't have gone any other way today. The Browns a winner — they win for Jim.
It was emotional, it was exciting, and it was everything Jim was to Cleveland sports fans: our voice, our eyes, our ears, our heartbeat. It felt like Jimmy Donovan helped guide the Browns out there today in a game they probably had no business winning, and I know Jim was smiling down on this one.
Kevin Stefanski gave a game ball to Jim's wife Cheryl after the game, and that was so fitting. That was the best call Stefanski's made this season.
We lost Jim Donovan this weekend, and for Browns fans, Cleveland sports fans, and all of us here at 3News, it's a tough one. This one hurts.
There is never going to be another Jim Donovan: 25 years as the voice of the Browns, 39 years here at WKYC, his talent among the best we've ever seen, his passion unmatched.
Browns football was a major part of Jim's life. He lived it, he breathed it, and he suffered through it with all of us. Today, the Browns finally — and I mean finally — paid him back a little bit with an unlikely victory against one of the best teams in the NFL.
I like to think that Jim played a part in this one.
We'll all miss you, Jim Donovan, and we thank you for everything.