by Earlier today Cleveland Browns fans received the sad news that Jimmy Donovan will be stepping down from the booth for good as the Play by Play announcer as he continues to fight cancer. The options to replace him are endless as every radio play by play and also color guy in town are suddenly intrigued at the chance.
With that being said, who are the top choices to replace the legend? I think everyone is in agreement that it shouldn’t be Chris Rose as he has been critically panned as a giant miss on the TV broadcasts of Browns pre-season football. Paul Keels of the Ohio State Buckeyes is my personal top choice, but it would be hard to see him leave Ohio State calls to take this on full time.
Again, with all that being accounted for, let’s take a look at some of the top options on the table to replace Jimmy.
Choice – Nathan Zegura
Reason – His passion and knowledge for Cleveland Browns football is nearly unmatched. This would be a natural fit for him to slide into Play by Play. I know a lot of people say Jerod Cherry would then slide into color, but if Zegura is the Play by Play by selection, I actually feel the natural fit for his color should be Doug Dieken pictured below. He and Zegura have a history together and the natural chemistry needed. I say, call Dieken out of retirement for one day a week, and give it shot.
If not Zegura on PBP and Dieken on color, then my second choice is the following.
Tim Alcorn and Ron Jantz
I can say this, it would be tough considering Alcorn’s radio gig with the Cleveland Cavaliers in which he is already doing an AMAZING job! But if the Cavaliers didn’t mind him missing a few Sunday games here and there, I love this combination. Now, they are both play by play guys, however, Jantz has the personality and charm to be a perfect color guy. Jantz is a natural storyteller and would step into the role like a fish in water. Again, I would LOVE this selection!
Other top choices include the ACP / 1420 WHK duo of Al Pawlowski and Ed Daugherty
Two Cleveland natives with a wealth of experience and the knowledge to step right in, hitting the ground running!
Well, we might as well have a little fun at this point. I would list those as my top 3 choices. HOWEVER, I have had the pleasure of sitting next to one of the most entertaining teams in High School Football broadcasting over the last 4 years, and I think they deserve a shot too. Why not give Adam Mendoza and Carmen Angelo of St. Ed’s a chance next year? They are incredible!
Also, just for fun, here are some random pictures of other men I feel would do a bang up job if given the chance!
Some of your choices are utter ridiculous, Kosar, you have to be kidding!!