Jim Donovan, Cleveland Browns radio voice, stepping away from mic to fight leukemia battle
WKYC (Channel 3) anchor and voice of the Cleveland Browns Jim Donovan announced at the conclusion of the team’s 24-3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals that he’s stepping away from the broadcast booth to continue his treatment for leukemia.
"In addition to my teams at WKYC, the Browns, and of course my wife (Cheryl) and daughter (Meghan), I have an amazing group of doctors and caregivers at University Hospital’s Seidman Cancer Center and I truly appreciate everyone's support," Donovan said. "I promise I'll be a listener, and I'll be back as soon as I can.”
He will appear on Channel 3's "Front Row" Monday evening to recap the Browns' victory.
Jim Donovan: Cleveland Browns radio announcer, WKYC-TV sports director has leukemia relapse
Donovan suffered a relapse in his battle against the disease this past spring and had been undergoing treatment. He has been the voice of the Browns since they returned to the NFL in 1999, joining a list of local legends such as Gib Shanley, Nev Chandler and Casey Coleman.
A post on X, formerly Twitter, from the Browns Radio Network flagship station, 92.3 the Fan, reported that Chris Rose, who called the team’s preseason games on television, will serve as interim play-by-play announcer.
Donovan has been a fixture at Channel 3 for close to 40 years after arriving at the station in 1985 from Boston University.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Voice of Browns Jim Donovan taking leave to fight leukemia
