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Baltimore Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron
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September 8, 2012
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When former Ravens owner Art Modell died in September, the NFL lost one of its top statesmen and a throwback to the days of Mom and Pop ownership.
Modell never wanted to be as big as the game itself, but his legacy was as large as other owners like George Halas and Wellington Mara. His body of work was legendary, from the conception of Monday Night Football, to two NFL championships in 1964 and 2000, to the lucrative TV network contracts paid out to the NFL today. Modell always had his hand in something, and he loved the league.
But I will remember Modell more for the love of his family and team, which was his extended family. Modell didn't own other businesses, so his team was his life. He always came to practices regardless of the weather, and the players seemed to appreciate that. He was always the social butterfly, laughing and cracking jokes with players, assistant coaches and the media.
Modell constantly gave his players second chances and never gave up on anyone. That's the thing I will remember most about him. He loved people and always forgave.
Modell cherished his late wife Pat, and she kept him in line. Regardless of the event or activity, she was his queen and he treated her as such. I find it fitting that the Ravens have Modell's portrait hung over the fireplace in the lobby at the training facility in Owings Mills. I go through that lobby many times throughout the week and during the course of the year, but there are times when I stop, look up and glance at the man.
I always smile because be gave me a lot to laugh about and remember during our time together.
-- Mike Preston
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