When Art Modell passed away at the age of 87 on Sept. 6, 2012, a storybook series of events were set in motion that honored the late owner in the best way anyone could have imagined.
Modell was an NFL visionary, directly responsible for advances that helped shape the game as fans know it today. From the first TV deals, toexpanding football to new cities, to Monday Night Football, Modell’s fingerprints are present throughout NFL history books.
But to Ravens fans, his most endearing achievement was bringing the game to Baltimore.
Modell moved the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore in 1996, and after four seasons, found himself a Super Bowl champion.