Art Modell

One of the most influential owners in the history of the NFL, Art Modell helped mold the foundation of the league.The innovative Modell, whose reputation was forever tainted when he moved his franchise from Cleveland to Baltimore, died early Thursday. He was 87.David Modell said he and his brother, John, were at their father's side when he "died peacefully of natural causes."Art Modell was among the most important figures in the NFL as owner of the Cleveland Browns, who became the Ravens after he took the team to Baltimore in 1996 — a move that hounded him the rest of his life."It's a shame that one decision hurt how some people think of him, because he did so much good," said Doug Dieken, an offensive lineman who's 14-year run in Cleveland was the longest in Browns' history.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 Mod...

Read More ›