Because of his contributions to the sport and the league, former Baltimore Ravens owner Art Modell is among 38 finalists eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame. Listed as a contributor in the Centennial Slate finalists, Modell has another chance to get into the Hall of Fame for a prolific and important career in the NFL — his third time as a finalist.
First and foremost, the Ravens wouldn’t exist if not for Modell, who moved the team from Cleveland in 1996. But Modell’s contributions to the game go well beyond the cities of Cleveland and Baltimore.
Modell, who passed away in 2012, was involved in the negotiations with the league’s television contracts. He helped bring about the start of Monday Night Football and NFL Films. Simply put, the league reached a far wider audience largely thanks to the work Modell put in behind the scenes.
However, with the controversy surrounding relocating the team from Cleveland to Baltimore, Modell has faced fierce opposition from being enshrined regardless of his accomplishments.
But with this being the NFL’s 100th anniversary season, there’s an increase in the number of people that will be enshrined. So there’s hope that Modell can finally push beyond the hate from some and rightfully get his place in Canton.
