Ravens host Art Modell memorial

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Remembering Art Modell

Bill Polian reflects on the life and career of former Browns and Ravens owner Art Modell.Tags: Art Modell, Ravens Owner, Browns Owner, Bill Polian, SportsCenter

Remembering Art Modell

BALTIMORE -- Ravens fans lined up by the hundreds Saturday morning to pay respects to Art Modell, the man who moved the Cleveland Browns to their city.

The American-flag draped casket was at the 50-yard line of M&T Bank Stadium. Fans, almost all wearing Ravens jerseys, were greeted by Modell's sons, David and John, as they slowly walked down the stadium steps and into a white tent.

When mourners began walking in at 11 a.m., they could see photos of the former Ravens owner on the large video screens and hear Frank Sinatra songs playing. Not surprisingly, the first one heard as the mourners arrived was "My Way."

Modell's funeral is Tuesday, one day after the Ravens open their season against Cincinnati on Monday night. Modell's family has asked the Browns not to acknowledge the former owner at Sunday's season opener against Philadelphia.

The Browns had planned an "appropriate recognition" for Modell, who died on Thursday at the age of 87. But Modell's son, David, spoke to Browns president Mike Holmgren and requested the team not do anything to recognize the late owner who remains vilified by many Cleveland fans for moving his team to Baltimore after the 1995 season.

The Browns will grant the family's wish. Any tribute for Modell before the game could have triggered an ugly backlash by Browns fans.

Team spokesman Neal Gulkis said the Browns had intended to have a tribute read over the public address system.

Retired offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden, one of Modell's favorite Ravens, was at M&T Bank Stadium when the purple procession began and he shook hands with some of the fans. Ogden was the first player drafted by the Ravens after the team moved to Baltimore.

"He always cared about what was going on in your life," Ogden said. "It was always what he could do to help somebody else."

Horace Berean of Baltimore was the first person waiting in line for the stadium gate to open. He arrived at 6 a.m. to secure his spot.

"He did so much for the city. He brought the football team here," Berean said. "He was just a wonderful, generous man."

Bobbie Fine of Columbia, Md., who wore a Ravens blouse and locket, met Modell at games and events.

"Just a kind man. I could talk to him at any time," Fine said. "One of the best men I've ever met."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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