CLEVELAND — Jim Donovan, who has served as the play-by-play voice of the Cleveland Browns since the team's return to the NFL in 1999, has announced that he is stepping down as he continues his fight against cancer.
In a letter to Browns fans, Jimmy states that his cancer has returned "very aggressively," requiring him to devote everything he has "to continue the fight."
"Not a day has gone by when I haven't paused and been so proud to be "The Voice of the Browns," Jimmy added in his note to fans. "Cheryl (Jimmy's wife), Meghan (Jimmy's daughter) 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. You do."
Jimmy retired from WKYC in June after a remarkable 39-year tenure as sports and news anchor.
‘WKYC is truly saddened to hear that Jimmy won’t be calling the games of his beloved Browns," said Micki Byrnes, WKYC Studios president and general manager. "Our thoughts are with him, Cheryl, and Meghan as they continue their fight. We know he has the support and love of every kind of fan in Northeast Ohio.
You can read Jimmy's entire letter below:
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. You 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
Jim Donovan
The Browns posted the below tribute video to honor Jimmy's 25 years behind the microphone.
Team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam released the following statement:
"We have been so honored to have Jim Donovan as the Voice of the Browns since we became a part of the organization in 2012 and quickly understood why our fans have absolutely loved him for the last 25 years. He is Cleveland and represents all that is good about Cleveland.
"Jim poured everything into his craft. Whether you've heard him on TV, radio or have been lucky enough to engage him in person, he lights up every room and every conversation with his infectious energy. His class, professionalism and limitless care for those around him make all of us better. Words could never fully express our gratitude and admiration for Jim, how he has navigated his fight with cancer, his love for this city and most importantly, his love and dedication to his family. I know we speak for all Browns fans in saying that he is in our prayers, we are here to support him in every way possible and Jim Donovan will forever be a Cleveland Brown."
Last fall, Jimmy stepped away from WKYC and his Browns announcing duties for two months to undergo treatment for leukemia after it relapsed. He made a triumphant return to the booth and was able to call the Browns' remarkable march to the playoffs.
After being diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in 2000, Jimmy began a decade-long battle with the disease that ultimately resulted in a bone marrow transplant in the summer of 2011.
A graduate of Boston University, Jimmy first arrived at WKYC in 1985. In addition to his anchoring and reporting duties in Cleveland, Jimmy also had multiple national roles including play-by-play for NBC Sports' NFL coverage from 1987 to 1997, swimming and soccer play-by-play in the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics, and World Cup Soccer in 1994. He was named the radio "Voice of the Browns" when the team returned to the NFL as an expansion franchise in 1999.
After WKYC acquired the local, over-the-air television rights to the Cleveland Indians, Jimmy served as play-by-play announcer from 2006–2008. And then in 2012, he expanded his duties at WKYC, becoming the anchor of Channel 3's Front Row 7 p.m. newscast, while continuing his role as sports anchor.
Jimmy has won many awards during his spectacular career, including multiple Emmys, the Cleveland Press Club All-Ohio Best Sportscaster, the Cleveland Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Press Club Journalism Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Sports Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, among others.