When Art Modell pulled the wool over Cleveland’s eyes by moving the long-time franchise to Baltimore back in 1995, there was a lot of controversy. And about millions of angry, hardcore football fans in the under-appreciated city. It was one of the darkest days in recent NFL history.
I remember when the story broke. In the earliest stages of my teenage years, supporting 49er’ red and gold, I just couldn’t understand how an owner could do that to a city. Almost 20 years later, I still have a hard time with this. To me, Modell represented exactly what was wrong with the NFL. Money and finances dictating a move like this. For the first time, I became privy to the ugly side of professional sports.
At the very least, the city of Cleveland was able to retain its team name, the history books and was to premiere an “expansion” team some three years later.
Sixteen years ago today, NFL owners voted to award Cleveland its football franchise, a promise they had made three years earlier in order to strike a deal with Modell and the current-day Ravens.
In the 15 seasons since regaining membership in the NFL, the Cleveland Browns haven’t done much right. They have earned just one trip to the postseason and haven’t been to the playoffs in 11 seasons. Over the course of these 15 years, the Browns have finished with a winning record just twice. Meanwhile, the Ravens have earned to Super Bowl trophies.
In the end, it really doesn’t matter all too much.
One of the best fan bases in professional sports has a team to call its own. The product may stink, the front office may be a revolving door and ownership may in fact be clueless. That really doesn’t matter too much.
Just 23 Sundays from today, the Browns will suit up for their 16th season in Cleveland since Modell pulled the great heist. For that, the NFL is better.
Photo: Wikipedia