Browns to Honor Modell in Opener

The Cleveland Browns announced Friday that they will honor former controversial owner Art Modell during their home opener against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday afternoon, according to the Associated Press.

Modell, who died from natural causes Thursday at the age of 87,owned the Browns from 1961 to 1995. He is remembered in Cleveland as the man who relocated the team to Baltimore in 1996 due to a fight over a new stadium with city officials.

Since the move, Cleveland fans still maintain hostility toward Modell and many have not forgiven him. The team became the Baltimore Ravens, who subsequently won the Super Bowl in 2000.

Cleveland eventually received a new team in 1999 and kept the same moniker.

Browns team spokesman Neal Gulkis said the Browns will pay "appropriate recognition" to Modell, and "show respect and dignity for Modell's family, the fans and community."

The team has not said exactly how they plan to honor Modell.