NFL owner Art Modell has died, he was number 23 on the list.
Former Ravens owner Art Modell dies at 87
He was 87.
David Modell said he and his brother, John, were at their father's side when he "died peacefully of natural causes."
Modell was among the most important figures in the NFL as owner of the Cleveland Browns and a league insider. During his four decades as a team owner, he helped negotiate the NFL's lucrative contracts with television networks, served as president of the NFL from 1967 to 1969, and chaired the negotiations for the first the collective bargaining agreement with the players in 1968.
He also was the driving force behind the 1970 contract between the NFL and ABC to televise games on Monday night.
Modell, however, made one decision that hounded him the rest of his life. He moved the Cleveland franchise to Baltimore in 1996 and Ohio fans never forgave him for it.
"It's a shame that one decision hurt how some people think of him, because he did so much good," said Doug Dieken, a Browns offensive lineman for 14 years.
Practically overnight, the man who was one of Cleveland's most notable civic leaders was a pariah in his own community.
"I have a great legacy, tarnished somewhat by the move," he said in 1999. "The politicians and the bureaucrats saw fit to cover their own rear ends by blaming it on me."
The move was also believed to be the main reason why Modell never made it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was one of 15 finalists in 2001 and a semifinalist seven times between 2004 and 2011.
The Ravens won their lone Super Bowl in January 2001, less than a year after Modell sold a minority interest of the team to Steve Bisciotti. In April 2004, Bisciotti completed purchase of the franchise but left Modell a 1 percent share.
"He worked alongside Lamar Hunt, Tex Schramm, Wellington Mara and Art Rooney, and all of those men are in the Hall of Fame," former Browns guard John Wooten said. "He worked with them in all of those meetings. He was there. It is indeed a shame that he is not in the Hall of Fame."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell praised Modell's work within the league as it was gaining momentum a half century ago.
"Art Modell's leadership was an important part of the NFL's success during the league's explosive growth during the 1960s and beyond," Goodell said in a statement. "Art was a visionary who understood the critical role that mass viewing of NFL games on broadcast television could play in growing the NFL."
Goodell also appreciated Modell's sharp wit.
"Art's skills as an owner and league contributor were matched only by his great sense of humor," he tweeted. "Any conversation with Art included laughs."
Modell's Browns were among the best teams of the 1960s, led for a time by legendary running back Jim Brown. Cleveland won the NFL championship in 1964 — Modell's only title with the Browns — and played in the title game in 1965, 1968 and 1969.
But his early years with Cleveland also were marked by controversy when he fired the team's only coach to that point, Hall of Famer Paul Brown, after the 1962 season. Brown then went on to co-found and coach the Cincinnati Bengals.
Modell said he lost millions of dollars operating the Browns in Cleveland and cited the state of Maryland's financial package, including construction of a $200 million stadium, as his reasons for leaving Ohio. The Baltimore Colts had left Maryland for Indianapolis in 1984.
"This has been a very, very tough road for my family and me," Modell said at the time of the Browns move. "I leave my heart and part of my soul in Cleveland. But frankly, it came down to a simple proposition: I had no choice."
The cost of the move to Baltimore left him financially strapped and with no choice but to put in motion the chain of events that enabled Bisciotti to assume majority ownership.
Bisciotti has since poured millions into the team, financing construction of a lavish practice facility in Owings Mills, Md. As a tribute, Bisciotti insisted that a huge oil painting of Modell be hung above the fireplace at the entrance to the complex.
"He was my friend, my mentor. We will miss him so much," Bisciotti said. "... How fortunate I am to have had him teach me about the NFL."
Modell wasn't the kind of owner who operated his team from an office. He mingled with the players and often watched every minute of practice.
"Art talked with me every day when I played in Baltimore," former Ravens tight end Shannon Sharpe said. "He knew everything about what was going on in my life. He showed real concern. But, it wasn't just me. He knew the practice squad players' names. He treated them the same. He was out at practice when it was 100 degrees and when the December snows came. I loved playing for him."
Born June 23, 1925, in Brooklyn, N.Y., Modell dropped out of high school at age 15 and worked in the Brooklyn Navy Yard cleaning out the hulls of ships to help out his financially strapped family after the death of his father.
He completed high school in night class, joined the Air Force in 1943, and then enrolled in a television school after World War II. He used that education to produce one of the first regular daytime television programs before moving into the advertising business in 1954.
A group of friends led by Modell purchased the Browns in 1961 for $4 million — a figure he called "totally excessive."
"You get few chances like this," he said at the time. "To take advantage of the opportunity, you must have money and friends with more."
Modell's work as a civic leader included serving on the board of directors of several companies, including the Ohio Bell Telephone Co., Higbee Co. and 20th Century-Fox Film Corp.
Modell and his wife, Patricia, continued their charity work in Baltimore, donating millions to The Seed School of Maryland, a boarding school for disadvantaged youths; Johns Hopkins Hospital; and the Kennedy Krieger Institute. The couple also gave $3.5 million to the Lyric, which was renamed the Patricia & Art Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric.
Patricia, his wife of 42 years, died last year.
"'Poppy' was a special man who was loved by his sons, his daughter-in-law Michel, and his six grandchildren," David Modell said. "Moreover, he was adored by the entire Baltimore community for his kindness and generosity. And, he loved Baltimore."
He famously quipped that former Brown's quarterback Brian Sipe was playing minor league football when he left the team to play for the New Jersey Generals in the U.S.F.L.
Art Modell hoped one day the people of Cleveland would remember him for what he accomplished there. Long after the move, Modell pointed out that Cleveland ultimately got the new stadium he coveted, and that the expansion version of the Browns could draw on the history he helped create.
"I think that part of my legacy is I left the colors, the name and the records in Cleveland," Modell said. "The fans in Cleveland were loyal and supportive. They lived and died with me every Sunday for 35 years."
Ravens General Manager and Executive Vice President Ozzie Newsome:
"Art was a giant in our industry. He was my boss – but he wouldn’t let me call him that – my mentor, and most importantly, my friend. He was the most caring, compassionate person I’ve ever known. The opportunities he gave me are historic, and I will be forever humble and grateful."
Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh:
"By a providential twist of fate, we came to be friends of Art and Pat Modell and their wonderful family. Pat took my wife under her wing and made her feel like they had been friends forever. Art made me feel like I could accomplish anything. He was the most encouraging soul I ever came across. He uplifted everybody around him. … Art continued to be a big part of this great organization. He spoke to our team every year, and he interacted with the players and coaches whenever he was here. This was a strong and good man. He was a winner in every way. And his humor … He always, in every situation, made us laugh. He is in God’s company, along with Pat, and Art is telling some good ones right now!
"It is often said about those inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame: ‘Can you write the history of the league without him?’ The answer with Art Modell is resounding. He was a great leader, but more importantly, he was truly a good man."
Ravens LB Ray Lewis:
“When you think about Art Modell, you think about a great man, a leader, a father and a servant. Every minute of his life, he cared more about everyone around him than himself. Anytime I saw him, he would always make me smile. He always had a joke to lighten your mood or some sort of wisdom to impart to make you a better man. I genuinely loved Art as a man, and he showed me what to strive for in life. When you truly see the impact he had on everyone he touched, it humbles you. When I found out he wasn’t doing well, I knew immediately I had to see him. When I was with him yesterday, I prayed with him and shared with him things that a son would say to a father. Even though he has left us, he is going to a place that one day we all want to be. I am truly blessed to have had Art in my life. He was a humble servant, and one of the best men I have ever known."
Former Ravens T Jonathan Ogden:
“Art was more than a great owner; he was a great man. When I first met him, and he welcomed me to Baltimore, I knew he was special. The Ravens organization was a special place to be. He was more concerned with everyone else than he was about himself. Always wanted to know about how you and your family were doing. He is definitely one of the nicest, kindest people I have ever met. It would be very difficult to imagine what the NFL would be like today without a visionary like Art Modell. He was a ‘glass half full’ person every day of his life. I will never forget how he treated me and my family. He will always have a very special place in my heart."
Former Ravens K Matt Stover:
"I worked for Art for 18 years, and he is paramount to what the NFL is today. He was a visionary, and everyone who works in or is a fan of the NFL owes Art Modell a debt of gratitude and great appreciation for what he did to make this game great. As a man, he was one of the most philanthropic people I know. All of the tremendous things he stood for he passed on to his family, community and the people that he worked with, and that has made the Ravens and the NFL a better place.
"Art always empowered me to be my best, and did the same for everyone around him. I remember in Cleveland when I missed a field goal and was down on myself, and Art called me on the sideline phone. He told me, ‘Just hit the next one, kid.’ I’m not sure how many other owners would have done that. He was a special man and will be sorely missed by my family and me."
Former Ravens Head Coach Brian Billick:
“Art Modell was all about family, and that’s how he directed the Ravens. He treated me, my family and everyone in the organization like a member of his family. Before I think of the gratitude I owe him for giving me the opportunity to be his head coach, I think of the way he treated all of us. I don’t believe there’s another NFL franchise that embraces that more than Art did. That was reflected in the people he hired. He created an atmosphere that was the best. It was a joy to come to work for him. He accomplished so much as an owner: championships, playoffs, the TV contracts, the leadership in the NFL. They are all great and deserving of the Hall of Fame. Those who worked with Art will all say the same thing. He was a Hall of Fame person.”
Former Ravens DT Tony Siragusa:
"Art was like a father to me and to all of his players. From the first time I met him, he always treated us players like his kids, but also treated us like men. When we won the Super Bowl, he was as big a part as anyone. We wanted to win it for him. Art was a man; you could talk to him about anything in life – not just football – and you would always come out wiser. Art is and always will be a family member to me."
Longtime Browns and NFL Personnel Executive Michael Lombardi:
"Vision, humor and generosity always guided Art Modell’s life. His humor made him a daily pleasure to encounter. His genuine generosity, which supplied you with the tools to learn – as well as work your craft – will always be cherished, but his futuristic vision left a lasting impact on the game he deeply loved."
Buffalo Bills Owner Ralph Wilson, Jr.:
"I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Art Modell. Art and I were good friends, and while we remained competitive in respect to our teams, we shared many laughs over the years. He was an influential figure in our league and was respected tremendously within the NFL ownership group. Art was a loving family man, and he and Pat made a great team. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to his sons David and John and the entire Modell family and all of his friends."
Former Browns Pro Bowl DT Jerry Sherk:
"Art Modell was an innovator, and he will take his place with other long-time owners that have had a major impact on the NFL. He was instrumental in the AFL/NFL merger and in bringing Monday Night Football to life.
"Personally, I will remember Art for his quick wit and for his appreciation of a good joke. But mostly, I will remember him for his affection for the game. Art loved the NFL, and he loved his players. I join with my teammates – the Cleveland Browns that played for Art – in sending condolences to John and David Modell, and the rest of the Modell family."
Former Browns Pro Bowl RB Kevin Mack:
"I hate hearing this news. From where I was before I came to the Browns, and then early in my career with the team, to the person I became at the end of my playing career, I owe Art Modell. He saved me. He was the one person who stood by me and gave me a second chance. I know what the majority of Clevelanders feel, and I understand some of that. But, he saw my goodness. He pushed me in the right direction. I could never thank him enough."
Former Baltimore Colts DB Bruce Laird:
"Art Modell was a man of passion and compassion. He meant so much to his players, because he knew about them, their lives, their wives and families. He ran a family football business, and it was family first. For Art, it was also the family of football -- not the business of football. And obviously, he entered the league when it needed him most, at the right time, in 1961."
Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos:
"Art Modell was a National Football League visionary and pioneer whose impact on the game continues to this day. He and his late wife Pat were as committed to philanthropy as they were to professional football in Baltimore and beyond. On behalf of the Orioles organization, I extend my condolences to his sons, John and David, and the rest of his family."
Players, coaches and mangers who worked for Modell include: Matt Cavanaugh, Mike Nolan, Kyle Boller, Terrell Suggs,
Ovie Mughelli, Jamal Lewis, Rex Ryan, Chester Taylor, Frank Sanders, Todd Heap, Orlando Brown, Marcus Robinson, Peter Boulware, Ed Reed, Adalius Thomas, Chris McAlister, Jeff Blake, Mike Flynn, Bennie Anderson, Travis Taylor, Bart Scott, Sam Gash, Shannon Sharpe, Sam Adams, Rod Woodson, Jermaine Lewis, Marvin Lewis, Jack Del Rio, Randall Cunningham, Elvis Grbac, Terry Allen, Brandon Stokley, Qadry Ismail, Trent Dilfer, Tony Banks, Priest Holmes, Ben Coates, Jamie Sharper, Kyle Rich, ardson, Duane Starks, Michael McCrary, Ted Marchibroda, Bennie Thompson, Don Strock, Jim Harbaugh, Michael Jackson, Floyd Turner, Eric Green, Scott Mitchell, Vinny Testaverde, Earnest Byner, Greg Montgomery, Eric Turner, Leroy Hoard, Bill Belichick, Eric Metcalf, Andre Rison, Tommy Vardell, Lorenzo White, Carl Banks, Tom Tupa, Gerald Dixon, Michael Bates, Pepper Johnson, Michael Dean Perry, Tony Jones, Nick Saban, Mark Rypien, Keenan McCardell, Rob Burnett, Jay Hilgenberg, Mark Carrier, Bob Dahl, Mike Johnson, Clay Matthews Jr., Mike Tomczak, Mark Bavaro, Bernie Kosar, Everson Walls, Frank Minnifield, Freddie Childress, Brian Brennan, Webster Slaughter, Reggie Langhorne, Mike Baab, Joe Morris, Bud Carson, Jim Shofner, Mike Pagel, Brent Fullwood, Bryan Wagner, Leo Lewis, Barry Redden, Ernie Accorsi, Gerald McNeil, Cody Risien, Hanford Dixon, Felix Wright, Eddie Johnson, Matt Bahr, Marty Schottenheimer, Howard Mudd, Bill Cowher, Marc Trestman, Gary Danielson, Max Runager, Bob Golic, Jeff Jaeger, Frank Winters, Joe Pendry, Lindy Infante, Mark Moseley, Major Everett, Curtis Dickey, Bill Contz, Chip Banks, Brad Van Pelt, Paul McDonald, Boyce Green, Herman Fontenot, Jeff Gossett, Don Rogers, John Jefferson, Sam Rutigliano, Mike Pruitt, Charles White, Tom Cousineau, Joe DeLamielleure, Ron Brown, Lyle Alzado, Calvin Hill, Reggie Rucker, Greg Pruitt, Cleo Miller, Thom Darden, Dick MacPherson, Buck Buchanan, Clarence Scott, Don Cockroft, Jerry Sherk, Doug Dieken, Robert Jackson, Tom DeLeone, Forrest Gregg, Dick Modzelewski, Eddie Payton, Joe Turkey Jones, Paul Warfield, Mike Phipps, Earl Edwards, John Garlington, Eddie Brown, Nick Skorich, Leroy Kelly, Bill Nelsen, Milt Morin, Jack Gregory, Bob DeMarco, Gene Hickerson, Fred Hoaglin, Gary Collins, Dick Schafrath, Jim Houston, Erich Barnes, Ernie Kellermann, Blanton Collier, Homer Jones, Ben Davis, Lou Groza, Frank Ryan, Tommy McDonald, Charley Harraway, Clifton McNeil, Monte Clark, Bob Nussbaumer, Paul Wiggin, Jim Kanicki, John Wooten, Dale Lindsey, Ernie Green, Bill Glas, Jim Ninowski, Johnny Brewer, Bernie Parrish, Sid Williams, Dick Modzelewski, Nick Pietrosante, Bobby Franklin, Jim Brown, Vince Costello, Galen Fiss, Harold Sauerbrei, Bob Gain, John Morrow, Dale Memmelaar, William "Dub" Jones, Mike Lucci, Ray Renfro, Jim Shofner, Ted Connolly, Paul Brown, Leon Clarke, Howard Hopalong Cassady, Rich Kreitling, Tommy Wilson, Jim Ray Smith, Don Fleming, Milt Plum, Bobby Mitchell, Len Dawson, Charley Ferguson, Sam Baker, Walt Michaels, Floyd Peters, Duane Putnam, Gern Nagler, Dave Lloyd, Ed Ulinski and Dick Evans.
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