In a letter Donovan wrote to Browns fans at the end of the 2024 preseason, Donovan announced that he would be stepping away from the Browns Radio Network to focus on his battle with cancer, which had returned and was aggressively . Donovan was inducted into the 2024 Class of Browns Legends on September 22, along with K Phil Dawson, who personally informed Donovan of the news shortly before the ceremony. Donovan’s daughter, Meghan, accepted the Browns Legends jacket on Donovan’s behalf during the ceremony.

“He kept it real, but he kept a positive tone about it,” Dawson said of Donovan’s calls. “He could always find that balance: authentic, real, accurate, but he was still supportive even when there wasn’t much to support. And I know the players appreciated that. I know I certainly appreciated that .He was too.” he always tried to provide context quickly, rather than just letting people focus on an individual moment. He just had a knack for seeing the big picture, but he kept it real and accurate so that everyone who saw it understood what was going on.”

Donovan was first diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2000, beginning a decade-long battle with the disease. He underwent a successful bone marrow transplant in the summer of 2011 and followed the disease for years to come. Donovan announced in May 2023 that he had a relapse of leukemia and would undergo more aggressive treatment.

In September, during the 2023 season opener against the Bengals, Donovan announced he would be taking a medical leave of absence from the Browns Radio Network while he continued his treatment for leukemia. He listened to all the Browns games and followed the team as they went through the ups and downs of 2023.

He returned to the radio booth in November for Week 11 of the 2023 season, when he also served as Dawg Pound Captain and smashed a Steelers-themed guitar before kickoff. As he stepped out of the tunnel and stood in front of the crowd, Donovan broke into a smile as Huntington Bank Field erupted in cheers and applause. Minutes after smashing the guitar, Donovan stood in the radio booth with his headphones on and called up the Browns’ 13-10 win over the Steelers.

Donovan announced his retirement from WKYC on May 30, 2024. On June 10, he made his last broadcast as a sports anchor.