Former Ravens Owner Art Modell Passes Away at 87

Art Modell, the former owner of the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens, has passed away after being hospitalized on Wednesday, according to a report from The Baltimore Sun. He was 87 years old. 

After he was taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, WKYC Channel 3 in Cleveland reported that his condition was "worsening" and his vital organs were "failing." His wife, Patricia, passed away in 2011. They were married for 42 years. 

Modell was one of the most controversial owners in NFL history. He bought the Cleveland Browns early in 1961 and was arguably the most influential figure in the history of the franchise. 

His most famous—or infamous—moment came in 1995. After 50 years in Cleveland, Modell announced that he was moving the franchise to Baltimore. After the team finished 5-11, it was shipped to Maryland. 

As soon as the move was announced, Modell immediately became Public Enemy No. 1 in Cleveland. 

The Baltimore franchise would come to be known as the Ravens. They would have little success on the field their first four seasons, compiling a 24-39-1 record. On the shoulders of one of the best defenses in the history of the NFL, though, the Ravens won Super Bowl XXXV. 

It was the only Super Bowl Modell's team would win, not to mention the first championship since the Browns won the NFL Championship Game in 1964. 

Modell sold the franchise in 2003, though he retained a small minority stake in the team up to the time of his passing. 

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