CLEVELAND — As part of their first game since the death of their longtime play-by-play voice, the Browns paid tribute to Jim Donovan in a fitting and moving way.
Prior to kickoff against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, a special video montage of some of Jimmy's greatest calls was shown on the scoreboard, prompting a standing ovation from the tens of thousands of fans inside Huntington Bank Field. This was followed by a 10-second moment of silence, bookended by words from public address announcer Jeff Shreve.
"For 25 years, he brought the Browns to life, leaving an indelible mark on fans every Sunday with his passion and unmatched skill behind the mic," Shreve said of Donovan. "Jim, you will forever be a Cleveland Brown."
Jimmy spent 39 years as a beloved sports and news anchor here at WKYC Studios, and his tenure as the "Voice of the Browns" began with the team's return in 1999. After retiring from his duties at 3News this past June, he had intended to continue calling games on the radio, but ended up stepping down just prior to this season due to health concerns.
Jimmy died early Saturday morning at the age of 68 following a long and courageous battle with leukemia. Those of us who knew and loved him have done our best to pay proper homage to his life and legacy, and on Sunday, the press box in Cleveland was no exception.
Photos and flowers of respect dotted the media room, as well as in the broadcast booth in the seat where he sat for more than two decades.
Following the video montage, members of the press also joined fans in the standing ovation.
We miss you, Jimmy. Browns Sundays will never be the same.
