Jim Donovan gave us plenty in his 25 years as the radio play-by play voice of the Browns.
He was, in my opinion, and in the opinion of a lot of other people, too, the best radio play-by-play announcer in the NFL.
No matter what the team did, whether it was good, bad or somewhere in between, he made it interesting. He made you feel like you were there watching the action in person.
To any number of people, from farmers working their fields, parents running their children around to various athletic events or just those relaxing in the backyard or in the comfort of their living room, he and his voice were welcome visitors every Sunday. He was the face of the Browns to them, and it was always a positive face, one with which they could always identify. In fact, he still is that face.
Now he is battling for his life, as his cancer ramped back up, returning with a real aggression, as he put it recently in a letter to the Browns. It has forced him to retire, way before he really wanted to do so. But he hast to concentrate on his health.
We are all feeling the sadness of that, perfume. Donovan was not just some guy calling football games, but rather he has become our dear friend.
So, then, what can we do as the people of the listening audience? How can we show our love for this guy, and at the same time, help him in his battle? How can we pay him back for all he has done for us?
We can pray for him. Frequently and fervently. Pray for a miracle. That’s what The Voice of the Cleveland Browns needs.
I am a person of faith. You may be, you, and if so, then you know we must take these things — the problems, including and especially the big ones — and turn them over to him. We can’t solve these problems ourselves. They are beyond us.
Some of you right now are no doubt, shaking your head and snickering. You are not a believer. You never have been coming and you never will be.
OK, then, find something or someone of a higher power in what or whom you do believe, and ask for help for Jim.
There is strength in numbers.
Steve King
