Browns honor Jim Donovan and give family a game ball

Donovan died on October 26 at the age of 68 after suffering from chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The following day, when the Browns hosted the Ravens at Huntington Bank Field, the Browns observed a moment of silence for Donovan before the game. They played a compilation of his signature calls throughout his career that tell the story of the Browns.

Donovan served as the “Voice of the Cleveland Browns” for 25 seasons beginning in 1999. Throughout his storied career, Donovan had signature calls that highlighted his time as a play-by-play announcer and are permanently enshrined in Brown lore.

Current players like DE Myles Garrett, G Joel Bitonio, TE David Njoku and others have let Donovan dictate their games over the years. His voice, evoking moments from Brown's history as well as their own careers, has added meaning.

“To me, he’s always been the voice of the Browns,” Garrett said. “From my first sack, he dictated the plays all the way up to some of the very last ones. So it's definitely a tough loss, and we've all felt it, and we appreciate everything he brought to being a Brown and being a part of this organization because there was no one like him.”

The Browns not only won their second game of the season, but also their first game after Donovan's pass. For many this had another meaning.

“One of the nicest people I’ve ever met in my short conversations with him,” Bitonio said. “A lot of my memories are of him making the decisions and going into the playoffs – you hear 'Chubb, Chubba Wubba,' all those plays are in his voice. I've only been here 11 years so I know a lot of people had him for 25 but it was very cool that we were able to give him the win. He's really part of this family. It was great to see him get the win.

QB Jameis Winston said Stefanski told the team Saturday after news of Donovan's pass that he wanted to get a win so he could give the Donovans a game ball. As they took the field on Sunday, that feeling resonated with the players.

“I had goosebumps standing before the national anthem just watching his plays, and of course I know how important he is to this organization,” Winston said. “I'm very honored that coach (Kevin) Stefanski said yesterday that we just want to give Jim Donovan's family a game ball. So thank you, Jim, for everything you've done for this organization. Your family is leaving. “I want to continue to be in my prayers and I'm just glad we were able to do this for him and his family.”