CLEVELAND — Could it have really happened any other way?
With the Browns set to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday in a massive AFC North matchup, someone has to perform the ceremonial pregame "guitar smash." This weekend, there was truly only one choice, with "Voice of the Browns" and 3News sports anchor Jim Donovan receiving the honors.
Earlier this year, Jimmy announced a relapse of leukemia, the treatment for which eventually forced him to take a leave of absence following Cleveland's first game of the season. This week, he announced his triumphant return to both the broadcast booth as well as WKYC, just in time for the Browns to welcome their hated rival to the Dawg Pound.
"I am back," Jimmy declared Thursday. "I have missed all of you so much."
But before he could get behind the mic, Jim had some business to take care of as this Sunday's "Dawg Pound Captain," with the surprised crowd at Cleveland Browns Stadium giving him a thunderous ovation as he walked onto the field. True to form, Jimmy gave that ugly black and yellow guitar a few good belts on the amp, basking in the adulation from the fans who all love him just as much as we do.
The guitar smash was just part of an emotional pregame ceremony that included the return of running back Nick Chubb to the stadium. Chubb's season ended with a knee injury against the Steelers back in Week 2, and he underwent successful surgery on his ACL earlier this week.
Jimmy, it's great to have you back. We can't wait to hear you on the air once again.