Former Ravens president David Modell
“Sadly, I can confirm that my father died peacefully of natural causes at 4 a.m. 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.”
Ravens Owner Steve Bisciotti
“He was my friend, my mentor. We will miss him so much. How lucky are all of us to have had Art in Baltimore? How fortunate I am to have had him teach me about the NFL. His generosity, his love, his humor, his intelligence, his friendship – we were all blessed by this great man. We will strive to live up to his standard.”
Ravens General Manager & Executive Vice President Ozzie Newsome
“Art was a giant in our industry. He was my boss – but he wouldn’t let me call him that – my mentor, and most importantly, my friend. He was the most caring, compassionate person I’ve ever known. The opportunities he gave me are historic, and I will be forever humble and grateful.”
Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh
“By a Providential twist of fate, we came to be friends of Art and Pat Modell and their wonderful family. Pat took my wife under her wing and made her feel like they had been friends forever. Art made me feel like I could accomplish anything. He was the most encouraging soul I ever came across. He uplifted everybody around him. I loved Art, and he loved my family, including my parents. He welcomed us to Baltimore with genuine warmth and grace.
“Art continued to be a big part of this great organization. He spoke to our team every year, and he interacted with the players and coaches whenever he was here. This was a strong and good man. He was a winner in every way. And his humor … He always, in every situation, made us laugh. He is in God’s company, along with Pat, and Art is telling some good ones right now!
“It is important to mention some things about Art:
“Art Modell was a visionary who broke barriers to help make the NFL what it is today and to help move our society forward in important ways. It was Art’s vision that married the NFL and TV together like nothing else in the history of sports and entertainment. He saw it first and drove it home with the networks and the league. Art negotiated the first collective bargaining agreement in NFL history. On those two accomplishments alone, the NFL moved to the forefront of sport in America. Art also started Monday Night Football. How great it is that we are playing in the Monday Night Football opener this week? We should all salute him for that. Art was a frontrunner in breaking racial and gender barriers in sports. He was ahead of his time and pioneered change for the good. And, Art was a winner. There are a multitude of playoff teams and division champions, and he won the Lombardi Trophy right here with his beloved Ravens.
“It is often said about those inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame: ‘Can you write the history of the league without him?’ The answer with Art Modell is resounding. He was a great leader, but more importantly, he was truly a goodman.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
“Art Modell’s leadership was an important part of the NFL’s success during the league’s explosive growth during the 1960s and beyond. As the longtime chairman of the league’s Broadcast Committee, Art was a visionary who understood the critical role that mass viewing of NFL games on broadcast television could play in growing the league. Art played important roles in many other league matters as a key advisor to Pete Rozelle and Paul Tagliabue, and also built championship teams in Cleveland and Baltimore. His skills as an owner and league contributor were matched only by his great sense of humor. Any conversation with Art included laughs. He always left you with a smile on your face. We extend our condolences to John, David and the rest of the Modell family.”
Baltimore City Council President Jack Young
“With the passing of Art Modell, Baltimore lost one of its true champions and wonderful friends. I offer my most sincere condolences to the entire Modell family during this difficult time.
From the day in 1995 when Art announced his plan to bring professional football back to Baltimore for the first time in 13 years, he restored feelings of hope and belonging to so many Baltimoreans. He had already done enough to become a beloved friend and ally, but in 2000 cemented himself in Baltimore lore by leading the Ravens to victory in Super Bowl XXXV. Always considered a true innovator and sharp businessman, I’ll never forget the day when he added ‘world champion’ to his list of achievements.
Though his accomplishments as Ravens’ owner stick out in people’s minds, they certainly don’t overshadow Art’s amazing contributions to Baltimore’s communities. The SEED School, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Kennedy Krieger Institute, St. Vincent’s Center, the House of Ruth, and numerous other organizations and institutions benefited from his incredible generosity. I will forever remember his deep level of caring for the people he inspired.
Baltimore was a better place when Art was intently watching the Ravens practice or smiling as he talked about the future of the city. His dedication to and imprint on Baltimore will forever be woven through our history.”
Baltimore Orioles Owner Peter Angelos
Art Modell was a National Football League visionary and pioneer whose impact on the game continues to this day. He and his late wife Pat were as committed to philanthropy as they were to professional football in Baltimore and beyond. On behalf of the Orioles organization, I extend my condolences to his sons, John and David, and the rest of his family.”
Kevin Lynch, SouthBMore.com
It’s hard to imagine living in Baltimore without the Baltimore Ravens. After the NFL chose Charlotte and Jacksonville, it was Art Modell that made Baltimore’s dream of returning to the NFL a reality. Baltimore has not been the same ever since. The Ravens have instilled such a sprit in this city and region and they have created such a huge impact on downtown neighborhoods and businesses. The organization and so many of its players have performed so many incredible charitable acts in this city and region that have made such an impact in so many lives.
As someone who has covered high school football for many years, I can’t begin to tell you what a difference Art Modell and the Baltimore Ravens have made for Baltimore City Schools. The Ravens have donated state-of-the-art equipment to the Baltimore City football programs, as well as renovated two city football stadiums at Poly and Mervo, which is appropriately named Art Modell Field. These facilities have allowed all players in the city to play under the lights and experience a top-notch facility. The level of play and passion is now higher than it has been in many years. Every time I asked a Baltimore City high school football coach what the Ravens have meant to them, the answer was always “everything.”
Thank you Art Modell, your impact on this city will never be forgotten.
