City Council salutes Art Modell

BALTIMORE - Former Ravens Owner Art Modell was saluted by the Baltimore City Council Monday night as a football visionary and humanitarian in a resolution by the Baltimore City Council Monday night.

City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young introduced a resolution celebrating Modell's life during the meeting. Modell, who passed away Thursday, brought professional football back to Baltimore in 1996 after a 13-year absence, and is also credited with helping transform the National Football League into one of America's largest entertainment businesses.  

"Baltimore was a better place when Art was intently watching the Ravens practice or smiling as he talked about the future of the city," said Young. "His dedication to and imprint on Baltimore will forever be woven through our history." 

While his accomplishments as the Ravens' owner stick out in people's minds, less was known is his spirit of philanthropy. The SEED School, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Kennedy Krieger Institute, St. Vincent's Center, the House of Ruth, and numerous other organizations and institutions have benefited from his generosity. Acknowledging his benevolence and commitment to Baltimore, Dr. Ben Carson's Scholarship Foundation awarded Mr. Modell the Generous Heart Award.