CLEVELAND — I thought the Cleveland Browns did a great thing on Tuesday by putting together a montage of Jim Donovan's Top 10 play-by-play calls from this past season.
As I wrote last night, there were a couple of other moments I would have added to the list. Other than that, it was a great tip of the cap by the Browns to the man who has called every game since the team returned to the NFL in 1999.
In those 20 seasons as the 'Voice of the Browns,' Jimmy has had to call some REALLY BAD football. The first two years of expansion, the Mangini years, Hue Jackson and 1-31, and on and on.
There have been two winning seasons and just one playoff appearance during the time that Jim Donovan has called the action. Yet, despite the fact that the Browns finished 7-8-1 in 2018, Jimmy is adamant that this season was the most fun he's ever had in the booth.
Watch the video and you'll see it for yourself during some camera shots inside the radio booth, something new in the NFL. Jimmy is having the time of his life watching these Cleveland Browns succeed on the field.
For instance, when the Browns beat the Broncos in Denver, you see Jimmy leaning out of the press box to give high fives to fans in hostile territory.
Moments like that are just priceless. There were many in 2018 for the Browns and Jim Donovan.
Why was this year more special than others? Sure there were exciting moments, but we all remember 'Run, William, Run' in 2002 as the Browns made the playoffs, or the offensive explosion that led the 2007 team to 10 wins.
Why is this team so different?
Here's my theory: The fact that the Cleveland Browns finally have a franchise quarterback.
Baker Mayfield appeals to so many Browns fans, but for different reasons. Some love his swagger, some love his arm and physical skills, others appreciate how cerebral he is.
Then there was this note that was sent to Jimmy and I during the Postgame Show from Robin: I am a 59 yr old woman who has brown and orange running through my blood and I have stand by my Browns since birth I just wish my father was alive to have seen Baker play.
That message has stayed with me all night. There's something else at play here when it comes to the Browns and Baker: History.
A generation of fans have come of age knowing nothing but losing football in Cleveland.
Robin was alive when the Browns last won the NFL Championship in 1964, but I'm guessing she doesn't remember much of that 27-0 win over Baltimore. Instead, she and her father had to watch Jim Brown retire early, missed Super Bowl opportunities in the late 1960s, the heartbreak of Red Right 88, 'The Drive,' 'The Fumble,' and worst of all: 'The Move.'
Now after all of that heartbreak and futility, there's finally reason to believe again. The Browns have a franchise quarterback who wants to be the guy to bring the team its first Super Bowl. And that quarterback has a head coach who seems to know how to get the best out of his star player.
And by the way, that head coach is becoming a folk hero in his own right. Making a surprise appearance on the Ken Carman Show featuring Anthony Lima on Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan can only help Freddie Kitchens be more embraced by the fans as he takes the reins of the team.
When you look at the Browns deeper, you'll find that they also have a talented roster. They have a strong front office. They have many assets, including salary cap space and numerous draft picks. And yes, they have owners who are passionate.
Those are strengths that will continue to carry this franchise forward. They are a reason why you should feel hopeful for the future.
And maybe, just maybe, 2019 will be even more fun for Jim Donovan behind the microphone.
Watch the Donovan Live Postgame Show in the player above.