Former Ravens, Browns owner Art Modell dies

Baltimore, MD, United States (4E Sports) – Former Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens owner Art Modell died Thursday morning of natural causes at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

He was 87.

Remembered most for moving his franchise from Cleveland to Baltimore in 1995, Modell purchased the Browns in 1961. He was head of the NFL’s Broadcast Committee for 31 years and was a key figure in the launch of “Monday Night Football”.

“Art Modell’s leadership was an important part of the NFL’s success during the league’s explosive growth during the 1960s and beyond,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. ” As the longtime chairman of the league’s Broadcast Committee, Art was a visionary who understood the critical role that mass viewing of NFL games on broadcast television could play in growing the league. Art played important roles in many other league matters as a key advisor to Pete Rozelle and Paul Tagliabue, and also built championship teams in Cleveland and Baltimore.

“His skills as an owner and league contributor were matched only by his great sense of humor. Any conversation with Art included laughs. He always left you with a smile on your face. We extend our condolences to John, David and the rest of the Modell family.”

Modell sold the Ravens in 2003 to Steve Bisciotti.

“He was my friend, my mentor. We will miss him so much,” Bisciotti said. “How lucky are all of us to have had Art in Baltimore? How fortunate I am to have had him teach me about the NFL. His generosity, his love, his humor, his intelligence, his friendship – we were all blessed by this great man. We will strive to live up to his standard.”

Modell is survived by his sons John and David, daughter-in-law Michel, and six grandchildren — Breslin, Arthur, Collier, David, Isabella and Dylan. His wife, Pat, passed away last October at the ae of 80.

“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.”

---

---