Sports Team Owner. He was the proprietor of the original Cleveland Browns franchise from 1961 until following their relocation to Baltimore. His decision to move the team made him an unpopular figure in the Cleveland sports community. Born in Brooklyn, his father was an electronic retailer who would lose all his finances during "the depression". Since his family was in desperate need of funds, Art was forced to leave high school and lie about his age to obtain a job. During World War II, he served with the United States Air Corps and upon his return home, he learned and found success in television production, in addition to working for an advertising agency, Modell amassed a fortune. In 1961, he formed an investment group and purchased the Cleveland Browns. It would not be long before Modell found himself in controversy, when he made the decision to fire popular longtime coach Paul Brown. In 1964, the Browns captured the NFL Title and during the remainder of the decade, they had further appearances in the NFL Eastern Conference Championship Game (1965, 1968 and 1969). The Browns remained competitive throughout the 1970s and 1980s. When Baltimore was in search of a franchise after more than a decade of having no team, Modell was enticed with the promise of a new stadium, thus resulting in the team's relocation and renaming (Ravens) leaving Cleveland Browns' fans brokenhearted. In 1999, a new Cleveland Browns' franchise entered the league. The Baltimore Ravens went on to win Super Bowl XXXV in 2001. Due to financial hardship, Modell was forced to drastically decrease his percentage ownership.
Sports Team Owner. He was the proprietor of the original Cleveland Browns franchise from 1961 until following their relocation to Baltimore. His decision to move the team made him an unpopular figure in the Cleveland sports community. Born in Brooklyn, his father was an electronic retailer who would lose all his finances during "the depression". Since his family was in desperate need of funds, Art was forced to leave high school and lie about his age to obtain a job. During World War II, he served with the United States Air Corps and upon his return home, he learned and found success in television production, in addition to working for an advertising agency, Modell amassed a fortune. In 1961, he formed an investment group and purchased the Cleveland Browns. It would not be long before Modell found himself in controversy, when he made the decision to fire popular longtime coach Paul Brown. In 1964, the Browns captured the NFL Title and during the remainder of the decade, they had further appearances in the NFL Eastern Conference Championship Game (1965, 1968 and 1969). The Browns remained competitive throughout the 1970s and 1980s. When Baltimore was in search of a franchise after more than a decade of having no team, Modell was enticed with the promise of a new stadium, thus resulting in the team's relocation and renaming (Ravens) leaving Cleveland Browns' fans brokenhearted. In 1999, a new Cleveland Browns' franchise entered the league. The Baltimore Ravens went on to win Super Bowl XXXV in 2001. Due to financial hardship, Modell was forced to drastically decrease his percentage ownership.
Bio by: C.S.
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