Phil Dawson kicked for the Browns in their first 14 years
since coming back as an expansion team in 1999. John Kuntz, cleveland.com
By Terry Pluto, cleveland.com
Published: Sep. 22, 2024, 5:49 a.m.
CLEVELAND, Ohio – For some of
us, the Browns began with Paul Brown, Jim Brown and then moved into the middle
1960s with Blanton Collier and the 1964 title team.
Or the Browns began in the
1980s, with Brian Sipe and Bernie Kosar and teams that made the playoffs, year
after year.
It’s been 35 years since the
Browns had back-to-back winning seasons (1986-89). That means you have to be in
your mid- 40s to remember those days.
But there is another group of
Browns fans, almost a lost generation. They’re younger. They came later. The
only Browns they know opened with the heart break of the move ... then the “new
Browns,” the expansion Browns in 1999.
I thought about them when the Browns introduced Phil Dawson and Jimmy Donovan into their Legends Club.
Jim Donovan and Doug Dieken doing the Browns game in 1999,
the first year back as an expansion franchise.
How it started
Dawson and Donovan, a kicker
and a radio broadcaster.
Dawson had been cut by three
teams in 1998. He made the Browns near the end of training camp in 1999. It was
the expansion year.
Dawson still remembers former
coach Chris Palmer saying, “I guess we’ll start with you.” Not exactly a
comforting endorsement. He often mentioned how he knew “My next kick could be
my last kick.”
It’s that way it’s for many
NFL kickers. But Dawson lasted 14 years in Cleveland. The Browns prematurely
cut him. He never wanted to leave Cleveland. Dawson kicked for six more years
with two other teams.
Donovan auditioned for the
radio job, competing with several other local broadcasters. He was selected and
paired with Doug Dieken. They were the radio voices of the Browns for more than
two decades.
Ahead of the Cleveland Air Show, Browns radio play-by-play
man Jim Donovan announced he's going off the air to fight chronic cancer.Jeff
Darcy/Cleveland.com
The best phone call
Donovan had to give up the radio duties a few weeks before the 2024
season opened. He’s battled leukemia and cancer since 2010. He’s in a major
fight now and isn’t healthy enough to attend Sunday’s game.
At his press conference,
Dawson talked about Donovan calling all his Browns games.
“I can’t think of anyone
better to go in with,” said Dawson. “It’s an honor. I call him a friend. He’s
going through a lot right now on the personal side.”
The Browns had Dawson call Donovan with the news of the team honoring
the broadcaster.
“Having the chance to make
that phone call and bring joy to a friend takes this to a whole new level,”
said Dawson.
The kicker and the radio broadcaster have a special place in the hearts
of fans. I asked for their thoughts on my Facebook page.
In the
wind and cold, nobody kicked better than Phil Dawson. The Plain
Dealer
The first memories
“Having been born in the late 1990′s, some of my first memories of the
Browns are of Jim Donovan on the radio announcing Phil Dawson’s kicks. It was one of the constants through those lean
years. It’s definitely the end of an era now that Jimmy and Doug (Dieken) are
both retired. Glad to see
Phil get the recognition he deserves as well.” - Thomas
Mendiola
“I was born in the mid
1990′s. I have only ever known Jim Donovan’s voice. When I couldn’t watch the
game, I genuinely would get excited to listen to it on the radio. Jim Donovan
and the Cleveland Browns go hand and hand. The Ravens have now have Justin Tucker. That’s what we
had in Phil Dawson. We never had to worry! I wish he could have spent his
entire career in Cleveland! He is the player that reminds me of my childhood
Cleveland Browns!” - Ben Marzano
“Phil Dawson was gold for many years. The fans
always knew he was steady in those Lake Erie winds. My favorite memory is his
game winning kick in the blizzard game against the Bills. Jim Donovan
was the only voice I knew growing up as a Browns fan. My Dad used to bring his
ear phones just to listen to his play calling even while we were at the games.
“I’ll always remember his
words as the Browns finally made it to the Playoffs during Covid in 2020: ‘The
only thing that is missing, is all of you.’” – Brittany Kilbourne
Very few people know the extent of Jim Donovan's fight with
cancer since 2000.The Plain Dealer
A special memory
“I have witnessed the utter
decency of Jim Donovan. A few years back, I was having dinner at the bar in
Parallax in Tremont. Donovan, his wife, and another couple were seated at one
of the bar tables, having dinner. The bus boy came to their table and mistakenly
poured tap water into Donovan’s glass, which had contained expensive bottled
water. Rather than lash out at the young man, Jimmy patted him on the back and
told him not to worry. Perhaps not a huge thing, but nonetheless an act of
human kindness and decency. I was especially impressed, as the bus boy was my
son, Lenny.” - Daniel Klonowski
The voice, the memories
“Jimmy’s voice gives me the
chills just like Nev Chandler’s voice did. Being Cleveland fans we may be
experienced in heartbreak, but we have had some of the best commentators in all
of professional sports. Phil
was the only thing we had to be proud of for years (besides Joe Thomas). How
many games did most, if not all of our points come from his foot alone? Jimmy
and Phil were definitely bright spots. Good luck to Jimmy in his fight
against cancer.” – Jessica Barnett
“Jimmy’s voice, his cadence,
and the ease in which he called the Browns games painted a picture that made me
feel like I was at the game. The way he did his job didn’t matter if the Browns
had a winning or losing team. His passion for Cleveland sports was ever present
– yet he was realistic about the team’s challenges. I value his honest
assessment. I am missing him each and every Sunday.” – Colleen
Kenney Roach
“Phil and Jim always provided rays of light during
some pretty dark times. Not ashamed to say that some of Jim’s calls over the
years brought tears to my eyes. Thanks Phil and Jimmy.” – Tim O’Hara
“Every once in a while, the
Powers That Be get something right. Jimmy and Phil came up together, and they deserve to be honored
together. They both exemplify what Browns Town is all about. No matter
what else happens this season, THIS will be the highlight of the year. P.S. I
cried! – Valerie Takacs
The
Browns said goodbye to Phil Dawson too soon. He played in Cleveland for 14
years, then kicked for six more in the NFL. Joshua Gunter,
cleveland.com
Two class acts
“Jim Donovan and Phil Dawson are shining examples
of character, responsibility, loyalty and hard work. Phil could always be
counted on to come through with the kick we needed. His professionalism is rare
in today’s world. Jim somehow managed to call the games with accuracy
and positivity; not an easy feat. His ability to remain positive and never
complain despite battling cancer for two decades is amazing. His retirement
brings tears to my eyes." – Jeanne Cooper
“Jim Donovan was always
electric. No matter the Browns record, he gave us his full energy. He was made
for Cleveland Browns football. My Dad has the same leukemia as Jim. He is doing
well, God bless both of them. In 1999 and coming back, you couldn’t walk anywhere without seeing that
#4 Phil Dawson jersey. He was one Brown we could always count on as he was
automatic.” – Steve Retzer
“I got very emotional and
just thought for sure two of the greats of my time as a season ticket holder
for 39 years.” – Keri Miller
“Dad taught me about football
at age 10 ... I’m 66 Never waivered from my loyalties to the Browns teams
through the ages. Only ever listened to Jim Donovan’s voice AND always knew Phil Dawson would be
spot on with nearly every kick. Nothing like it, or probably ever again in my
lifetime. I cried, especially for Jimmy Donovan.” – Laureen
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