As the Browns gathered at the center of the field following the second day of mandatory minicamp, head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed the team. Stefanski wrapped up his closing thoughts from practice, and then he introduced a familiar face who stood off to the side.
"So, Jim, he's not retiring from the Browns, but he just did retire from his other job as a sports anchor at WKYC. 39 years," Stefanski said. "The best in the business, Jimmy Donovan is going to break the team down."
Donovan walked over to the center of the circle of players, and as they all yelled "speech," Donovan shared with the team.
"I love you guys," Donovan said. "Let's have a big, big year."
As Donovan raised his hand, surrounded by players, they yelled "all the way" to officially break down the huddle and close the second day of minicamp. Several coaches and players, including DE Myles Garrett, walked up to Donovan following and congratulated him on his retirement.
Donovan announced his retirement from WKYC on May 30. He worked his final broadcast as a sports anchor on June 10. Donovan first joined 3News in 1985 as a weekend sports anchor. Donovan was first named as the radio "Voice of the Cleveland Browns" in 1999 and completed his 25th season as the radio play-by-play voice for the Browns last season.
Donovan was first diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2000, which began a decade-long battle with the disease. He underwent a bone marrow transplant in the summer of 2011, and has been monitoring since. Donovan announced in May 2023 that he had a relapse of the leukemia and would undergo a more aggressive treatment.
Then, in September during the 2023 season opener against the Bengals, Donovan announced he would taking a medical leave of absence from the Browns Radio Network as he continued his treatment of leukemia. He returned to the radio booth in November for Week 11 of the season. In Feb. 2024, Donovan celebrated his last radiation treatment.
While he celebrates the end of 39-year career as a sports anchor, Donovan continues in his role with the Browns as the radio play-by-play voice.
