Family, Friends & NFL Elite Pay Their Respects At Art Modell's Funeral
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- He brought football back to Baltimore and Tuesday, thousands paid tribute to Art Modell. Adam May has a look at the emotional funeral.
There's no question that Baltimore loved Art Modell. We heard stories about his generosity both on and off the field.
There wasn't a dry eye in the synagogue for the funeral of Art Modell.
"If you think you're lucky to have Art Modell in your life, imagine how lucky to have been his son," said Art Modell's son, John Modell.
"Poppy was just a regular guy and he would literally talk to and befriend everyone," said his son, David Modell.
Modell brought the Ravens to Baltimore in 1995, delivering a Super Bowl championship in 2001.
Click here to read his last bio.
"To the people of Baltimore City, Baltimore County and the state of Maryland, this belongs to you," he said at the time.
Modell's respect in the NFL was evident by all the players, owners and coaches who paid their respect.
"He made me be a part of not only him but the Ravens," said former Colt Lenny Moore.
"Modell had a vision to change the way people thought about the opportunities in life," said Ray Lewis.
"He was certainly an original whose contributions to the NFL were extraordinary," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Click here to see his career highlights.
And there's Modell's impact on the community.
"He gave so generously to so many causes. He really exemplified that one person can make a difference in the world," said Governor Martin O'Malley.
Modell's interment was private. He's now joined his wife, Pat, who passed away last year.
The Modells gave millions of dollars to charities around town, helping disadvantaged children and the arts.
Art Modell was 87.
