If you are into the “behind the scenes” of classic football, I am sure you know of Art Modell. Art Modell was an owner of various NFL teams, who died on September 6th, 2012.

Arthur (Art) Modell was the grandson of Morris Modell, founder of Modell’s Sporting Goods–one of the oldest sporting goods stores in America.

Prior to his NFL career, Modell worked in advertising and television in New York City, and in 1961, purchased his first football team (The Cleveland Browns) for $4 million dollars. To help pay for this, Modell invested $250,000, borrowed $2.7 millions, and found outside partners to cover the rest of the expense.

Art Modell was the owner of the Cleveland Browns until 1995, and then in 1996, Modell became the principal owner of The Baltimore Ravens until 2004.

On Thursday, September 6th of 2012, Art Modell died of natural causes; however, the New York Times reports that Modell had a history of coronary heart problems, which did not contribute to his health.

Many fans of Modell’s legacy have left their condolences via Twitter.