Social Media Reaction

Browns fans and more share heartfelt messages following Jim Donovan's passing

Donovan, who served as the "Voice of the Cleveland Browns" for 25 seasons, passed away at the age of 68

Oct 26, 2024 at 04:20 PM

Kelsey Russo

Staff Writer

Jim Donovan, "The Voice of the Cleveland Browns," has passed away at the age of 68 after battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Browns fans, media members, players and many others shared messages on social media honoring Donovan and his legacy in Cleveland.

There are no words to accurately describe what Jim Donovan meant to me as a mentor, as a broadcasting hero, as a partner and most importantly as a friend. It was an absolute honor and privilege to get to know him, to get to work with him, to get to laugh with him and to even cry… pic.twitter.com/G6lvGeehEt
— Nathan Zegura (@NathanZegura) October 26, 2024

Our fanbase…our world will miss Jim Donovan.
— Ken Carman (@KenCarman) October 26, 2024

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Jim Donovan, ‘Voice of the Cleveland Browns,’ passes away at 68

Great talent. Better human. Thank you for illuminating the lives of so many fans with your honest and humorous calls.

We could all learn a lot from how Jimmy lived and fought. https://t.co/tuZNShZXCl
— Chris Rose (@ChrisRose) October 26, 2024

We join the rest of the Cleveland community in mourning the loss of Cleveland media member, friend to many, and long-time voice of the @Browns, Jim Donovan. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/SUaFUPXSGH
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) October 26, 2024

Jim Donovan was THE voice of the Cleveland #Browns with iconic calls we will forever remember. He was tough as hell fighting cancer the way he did & glad he is finally at peace.

There won’t be a dry eye in the house when they honor him tomorrow.

Go #WinForJim https://t.co/8Mf2Kgq8gU pic.twitter.com/O3ReqydkIH
— Mac🦬 (@tha_buffalo) October 26, 2024

Jim was the greatest. He was kind. He was giving. He was an inspiration. I am heartbroken.

Browns fans, the smile and joy that came through the radio on game day was real. Jim loved you as much as you loved him. He will always be the soundtrack of our football lives. He will… https://t.co/3VDWSs3yZ0
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) October 26, 2024

RIP Jim. Thank you for your field goal shoutouts, you will be missed. We love you and thank you for always being there for the dawg pound.
— Charley Hughlett (@CharleyHughlett) October 26, 2024

Beyond devastated. Jim is a source of inspiration to anybody from Northeast Ohio and far beyond: For his love and passion for Cleveland, for how he perfected his craft with the utmost dedication, for how he lived his life and battled to the end. Jimmy — we love you so much. https://t.co/NeEcNX6yw6
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) October 26, 2024

Jim Donovan is beloved by Clevelanders and Browns fans all over the world. He'll forever be a part of the fabric of The Land and will be dearly missed. https://t.co/dMR31wjysh
— Destination Cleveland (@TheCLE) October 26, 2024

There will never be another Jim Donovan. He will be missed. #RIP pic.twitter.com/kEqEEjzfKq
— Nick Camino (@NickCaminoWKYC) October 26, 2024

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Donovan. For 25 years, he brought joy to Cleveland as the Voice of the Browns. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/NB3A1QtzIb
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) October 26, 2024

I was incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Jim Donovan today.

The best in the business was quite literally the voice of Cleveland fans since the team returned in 1999; and for those of us that were lucky enough to get to work with him on a daily basis, you realized… https://t.co/K5OYfHQqH5
— Joe Thomas (@joethomas73) October 26, 2024

In loving memory of legendary Cleveland sportscaster, Jim Donovan.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Rock Entertainment Group send our condolences to the Donovan family and honor his incredible impact on this city’s sports community. pic.twitter.com/nOOAj7kyx9
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) October 26, 2024

Jim Donovan was just as kind, funny and caring of a person as I could have hoped for when I met him and was blessed enough to work with in the booth. The way that he could find a way to get you to crack a smile is something I'll always treasure. You'll be greatly missed. RIP 🤎🧡 pic.twitter.com/qXAhsLVVKY
— Mac Robinson (@MacRobinson95) October 26, 2024

Words cannot describe what Jim Donovan meant to the Browns and to all of our fans across the world. Jim will be missed, but his voice and spirit will live with us forever. Rest in peace Jim. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
— JW Johnson (@JDubsIII) October 26, 2024

Simply put, Jim Donovan was the best local sportscaster I have ever seen. I felt that when I first saw him in 1986 and I came to know that when I finally had the opportunity to work with him. He was easily the single greatest inspiration of my career. Rest In Peace my friend.
— Jay Crawford (@JaycrawfordCLE) October 26, 2024

Jim Donovan We Are Going to Miss U 🙏🏼 Luv U Brother 🙏🏼Our Thoughts,Actions & Prayers are there ForU Cheryl & Awesome daughter Meghan🙏🏼 #UMatter #JimDonovan #Browns #Dawgpound ⁦@wkyc⁩ https://t.co/a834Gs3FSU pic.twitter.com/3kWmxSagon
— Bernie Kosar (@BernieKosarQB) October 26, 2024

Absolutely heartbroken. Jim Donovan was the only voice of the Browns like many others my age. Gonna miss him and joy so much. RIP to one of the greatest voices of Cleveland https://t.co/2cNd0DW3o2
— Sir Yacht (@SirYacht_) October 26, 2024

No one brought more joy to Cleveland Browns football than Jim Donovan.

It's been such an incredible blessing to have Jim narrating through everything with such passion. Such genuine love for our team and city.

Rest in power Jim. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/cN2TaLjr6s
— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) October 26, 2024

Today, Cleveland lost a voice that brought joy, energy, and heart to our community. Jim Donovan wasn’t just a legendary sportscaster—he was part of our city’s fabric. His passion for Cleveland sports was unmatched, and he’ll be missed by fans and friends alike. Rest in peace,…
— Justin M. Bibb (@JustinMBibb) October 26, 2024

Heartbroken to hear Jimmy Donovan has passed.
A Cleveland legend.
RIP, friend.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) October 26, 2024

Jim Donovan is Sunday afternoons with my dad, Browns game on, TV muted, and his voice carrying throughout our whole home from the stereo.

unbelievably tragic. rest in peace, Jim https://t.co/hbV47VoLFk
— Jordan Zirm (@JordanZirm) October 26, 2024

Working with Jim over the last 7 years was one of the biggest honors of my career. He was such a joy to work with and the epitome of professionalism, and I learned so much from him.

Rest easy, old friend. I’ll miss you. https://t.co/YXfgxNNlii
— meredith 🫶🏼 (@MKonSports) October 26, 2024

RIP to the GOAT. Getting to meet the great Jim Donovan was one of the greatest moments for me. Football lost a legend today. Cleveland will miss you. Thanks for all you did for all of us fans. #jimdonovan #thegoat pic.twitter.com/xXwduDRJT6
— Chuck Filek #D4L (@ChuckGobrowns) October 26, 2024

Social Media Reaction

Browns fans and more share heartfelt messages following Jim Donovan's passing

Donovan, who served as the "Voice of the Cleveland Browns" for 25 seasons, passed away at the age of 68

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