Donovan battled chronic lymphocytic leukemia on and off for decades, and announced his immediate retirement from calling Browns games on Aug. 29. He served as Cleveland's radio play-by-play announcer from its 1999 return to 2023.

Jim Donovan, the beloved radio play-by-play announcer for the Cleveland Browns and a TV sports fixture for more than four decades, died Saturday. He was 68.

Jim Donovan, the Cleveland Browns’ longtime radio play-by-play man, died Saturday after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 68. Donovan became the full-time voice of the Browns upon the team’s return to the NFL in 1999 and held the job until the start of this season when he retired to focus on his health.