Donovan died on October 26 at the age of 68 after a battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The next day, when the Browns hosted the Ravens at Huntington Bank Field, the Browns held a moment of silence for Donovan before the game. They played a compilation of his signature calls over the course of his career, which tell the story of the Browns’ history.

Donovan was the “Voice of the Cleveland Browns” for 25 seasons, beginning in 1999. Over the course of his storied career, Donovan made signature calls that highlighted his time as a play-by-play announcer and are permanently etched in Brown’s lore . .

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

“For myself, as long as I’ve been around, he’s been the voice of the Browns,” Garrett said. “He’s had some of the very last firings since my first one, so it’s definitely a tough loss and we’ve all felt it, and we appreciate everything he’s brought to being 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 won their first game after Donovan’s death. For many, that had another layer of meaning.

“One of the nicest people I’ve ever met in my brief conversations with him,” Bitonio said. “A lot of my memories are hearing him make the calls and going to the playoffs. You hear ‘Chubb, Chubba Wubba,’ all those plays go back to his voice. I’ve only been here 11 years, so I I know a lot of people had it for 25, but it was really cool that we were able to get that win for him. Coach is going to give the game ball to his family. He deserves every game ball. It was great to get the win for him.”

QB Jameis Winston said that after news of Donovan’s passing, Stefanski shared with the team on Saturday that he wanted to get a win so he could give the Donovan’s a game ball. When they took the field on Sunday, that feeling resonated among the players.

“I got chills standing for the national anthem just watching his play-by-play and I clearly know the significance he brings to this organization,” Winston said. “I’m very honored that coach (Kevin) Stefanski said yesterday that all we want to do is give a game ball to Jim Donovan’s family. So thank you, Jim, for all you have done for this organization. Your family is in my prayers and I’m glad we were able to do that for him and his family.”