Modell began his career in the NFL in 1961 when he purchased the Cleveland Browns for what was then a record sum. Under his ownership, the Browns experienced success, including winning the NFL Championship in 1964. However, despite the on-field successes, Modell's tenure in Cleveland was not without its challenges. He made the unpopular decision to fire legendary coach Paul Brown in 1963, which caused a rift among fans.
One of Modell's most significant contributions to the NFL was his role in negotiating television contracts. He was a key figure in the league's negotiations with TV networks, helping to secure lucrative deals that would benefit all teams. Modell served as the chairman of the NFL's television committee for 31 years, and his efforts played a crucial role in increasing the league's popularity and revenue through broadcast rights.
Modell was also instrumental in the creation of "Monday Night Football," a prime-time television concept that began in 1970 and went on to become a staple of American sports broadcasting. This innovation helped to bring the NFL into millions of homes across the country, further solidifying football's place as a national pastime.
Despite these successes, Modell's legacy is often overshadowed by his decision to relocate the Browns in 1995. Facing financial difficulties and unable to secure a new stadium deal in Cleveland, Modell announced the move of the franchise to Baltimore, where they would become the Baltimore Ravens. This decision was met with widespread outrage among Cleveland fans and remains one of the most controversial moves in sports history. The city of Cleveland was eventually awarded a new franchise, which retained the Browns' name, colors, and history, while Modell retained the contracts of the players and personnel to start anew in Baltimore.
In Baltimore, Modell's Ravens achieved the ultimate success, winning Super Bowl XXXV in the 2000 season. The victory was a high point in Modell's career, but it did little to mend his fractured relationship with Cleveland fans.
Throughout his career, Modell served in various other capacities within the NFL, including as a member of the league's Executive Committee and as president of the NFL from 1989 to 1990. His contributions to the league were significant, but his candidacy for the Pro Football Hall of Fame has been a subject of debate, largely due to the lingering animosity over the Browns' relocation.
Art Modell passed away in 2012, leaving behind a complex legacy. He is remembered as a visionary who helped transform the NFL into a television powerhouse, a successful team owner who brought a Super Bowl championship to Baltimore, and a controversial figure whose decision to move a storied franchise continues to evoke strong emotions among football fans.
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