CLEVELAND, Ohio — Jameis Winston took the quarterback reigns of a 1-6 Browns team on Sunday and surprised the football universe with an improbable victory against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
“He stepped up,” said one fan. “As a Browns fan, we needed this today and I’m grateful for him.”
Another took things to the next level. “We‘re the best team in the league! 11-6. We‘re Super Bowl bound now, let’s go!”
It was a game that felt surreal to many fans who were thinking about the loss of Jim Donovan, the radio voice of the Browns since 1999. Donovan died Saturday morning following a long battle with cancer.
“The team played inspired for Jim Donovan so I’m sure they had that on their minds. Just glad to get out of here with a win, especially against the Ravens!” one fan said.
“We did this one for Jimmy D., for sure! We miss Jimmy D., you’re a Cleveland legend. We love you bro!” a longtime fan said.
Memories began pouring in from fans as they thought back on Donovan’s career.
“I‘ll never forget back in ’02 or ’03 when William Green busted that run and he was like ‘Run William run!‘” remembered one man.
“One of my favorite memories of Jimmy was when he called our first victory coming back in 1999. And that long bomb … Tim Couch threw it to number 85, I believe. But what a call. Every year he’s had such great calls,” a man in a Nick Chubb jersey said.
Below is a special tribute video to Jim Donovan courtesy of Browns fans who shared their memories about him following Sunday’s game.