Art Modell

Date of Birth: June 23, 1925

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: September 6, 2012

Biography

Arthur Bertram Modell, known as Art Modell, was a prominent American businessman and a significant figure in the world of professional football. Born on June 23, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York, Modell made a lasting impact on the National Football League (NFL) through his ownership and management of two major franchises: the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens. Modell began his career in the entertainment industry, working in television advertising, which later led him to purchase the Cleveland Browns in 1961. He played a crucial role in the NFL’s merger with the American Football League (AFL) and was instrumental in negotiating the league’s lucrative television contracts. In 1996, Modell made the controversial decision to move the Browns to Baltimore, where the team was rebranded as the Baltimore Ravens. Under his ownership, the Ravens won Super Bowl XXXV in 2001. Modell was known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the Baltimore area, where he contributed to numerous charitable causes. Art Modell passed away on September 6, 2012, in Baltimore, Maryland, leaving behind a complex legacy marked by both his contributions to the NFL and the contentious relocation of the Browns.

5 Interesting Facts about Art Modell

1. Art Modell played a crucial role in the negotiation of the NFL’s television contracts, significantly increasing the league’s revenue.

2. He was instrumental in the NFL-AFL merger, which unified professional football in the United States.

3. Modell’s decision to move the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore in 1996 remains one of the most controversial moves in sports history.

4. Under his ownership, the Baltimore Ravens won their first Super Bowl in 2001.

5. Despite his business success, Modell was never inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a point of contention among many football fans and analysts.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Art Modell

1. “I never made a damn dime until I bought the Cleveland Browns.”

2. “The most rewarding thing in business is to bring people together.”

3. “I didn’t buy the Browns to make money; I bought them because I loved football.”

4. “Success is not measured by money alone but by the impact you have on the lives of others.”

5. “Football is not just a game; it’s a community, it’s family.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Art Modell’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $120 million.

Children

Art Modell had two sons: David Modell and John Modell. David Modell was actively involved in the management of the Baltimore Ravens and served as the team’s president and CEO. John Modell has maintained a lower public profile.