The cursed memory of Art Modell will forever be burned in the memory of Cleveland Browns fans. Whether they experienced it directly or have just heard the stories from older generations, Modell’s betrayal of the city is held in contempt by those that love the team.
For Modell, the decision to move the team was purely financial but his new team, the Baltimore Ravens, also brought him a Super Bowl championship in 2000.
Financial issues continued to plague Modell leading the NFL to intervene. By 2004, Steve Biscotti owned the team and Modell was without a franchise.
Following Modell’s passing in 2012, the former owner who played a huge role in television rights deals has been up for the Pro Football Hall of Fame a number of times including again this year.
As has been the case in the past, his betrayal of Cleveland and financial struggles with both franchises have kept him from getting inducted:
Art Modell eliminated from consideration for @ProFootballHOF for 2023. Gone in the first vote. After 3 rounds of voting Don Coryell selected as a finalist in the coach/contributor category.
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) August 24, 2022
The idea of Modell getting inducted into the Hall of Fame less than an hour away from the city he turned his back would be ironic but seems less and less likely as every year passes.
