Owings Mills, MD (Sports Network) - The National Football League lost a
legendary figure on Thursday, as former Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns
owner Art Modell passed away at the age of 87.
Modell died of natural causes at John Hopkins Hospital. His son, former Ravens
president David Modell, confirmed the news in a statement released by the
Ravens.
"Sadly, I can confirm that my father died peacefully of natural causes at 4
a.m. this morning," David Modell said. "My brother John Modell and I were with
him when he finally rejoined the absolute love of his life, my mother Pat
Modell, who passed away last October.
"'Poppy' was a special man who was loved by his sons, his daughter-in-law
Michel, and his six grandchildren. Moreover, he was adored by the entire
Baltimore community for his kindness and generosity. And, he loved Baltimore.
He made an important and indelible contribution to the lives of his children,
grandchildren and his entire community. We will miss him."
Modell purchased the Cleveland Browns in 1961 for $4 million, an unprecedented
sum at that time. The Browns won the NFL Championship in 1964, blanking the
Baltimore Colts, 27-0.
Three decades later he uprooted the franchise, moving to Baltimore in 1996.
However, he did leave behind the Browns franchise name.
Behind one of the most stout defensive units, the Ravens won the Super Bowl
after the 2000 season, crushing the New York Giants by a 34-7 score.
Financial issues forced Modell to sell a minority share of the team to Steve
Bisciotti in 1999 before yielding controlling interest to Bisciotti in 2004.
Modell served as NFL president from 1967-69 and as the chairman of the NFL's
television committee for 31 years (1962-93). He also led negotiations on
the NFL's first collective bargaining agreement with its players in 1968.
The Sports Network