Art Modell

Art Modell
Modell at a press conference in 1983
Born
Arthur Bertram Modell

(1925-06-23)June 23, 1925
Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
DiedSeptember 6, 2012(2012-09-06) (aged 87)
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Occupation(s)NFL franchise owner
Cleveland Browns
(1961–1996)
Baltimore Ravens
(1996–2004)
Businessman
Spouse
​
​
(m. 1969; died 2011)​
Children2 (David Modell and John Modell)
Awards1964 NFL champion
Super Bowl XXXV champion

Arthur Bertram Modell[1] (June 23, 1925 – September 6, 2012) was an American businessman, entrepreneur and National Football League (NFL) team owner. He owned the Cleveland Browns franchise for 35 years and established the Baltimore Ravens franchise, which he owned for eight years.

Assuming control of the Browns franchise in 1961, Modell was a key figure in helping promote the NFL and was initially popular in Cleveland for his active role in the community and his efforts to improve the team. However, he made controversial actions during his ownership, which included the firing of Paul Brown, the franchise's first coach and namesake, and the release of Jim Brown from the roster. In 1995, Modell faced widespread scorn in Cleveland when he attempted to relocate the Browns to Baltimore. Under the terms of an NFL-brokered settlement, Modell left the Browns' name and heritage in Cleveland, which was assumed by a new Browns team in 1999. In return, Modell retained the contracts of all Browns personnel and reconstituted his organization as the Baltimore Ravens, who are officially recognized as a 1996 expansion team.

Praised in Baltimore for returning football to the city after the departure of the Colts, Modell remains a controversial figure in Cleveland due to the relocation and, in particular, for his decision-making around the management of Cleveland Stadium and the construction of a replacement.[2][3]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference mcfadden was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Morgan, Jon (December 17, 1995). "Inside the Browns deal". La Times.
  3. ^ Sandomir, Richard (November 12, 1995). "A City Fights To Save The Browns". New York Times.