Long-time owner Art Modell dies

Former Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens owner Art Modell died this morning at Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore, the Ravens announced. He was 87.'

His son, former Ravens president David Modell, issued this statement:

“Sadly, I can confirm that my father died peacefully of natural causes at four this morning. My brother John Modell and I were with him when he finally rejoined the absolute love of his life, my mother Pat Modell, who passed away last October.

“’Poppy’ was a special man who was loved by his sons, his daughter-in-law Michel, and his six grandchildren. Moreover, he was adored by the entire Baltimore community for his kindness and generosity. And, he loved Baltimore. He made an important and indelible contribution to the lives of his children, grandchildren and his entire community. We will miss him.”

Modell's most notable legacy was his move of the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore where they became the Ravens in 1996. He originally bought the Browns in 1961 and owned the team until 2004 when he sold it to Steve Bisciotti.

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Terry McCormick covers the Titans for TitanInsider.com