By Veronica An
Art Modell, owner of the Browns, announced a plan to move the NFL team from Cleveland to Baltimore during the 1995-6 season. This move would give Baltimore an NFL for the first time since 1983; when the Colts moved to Indianapolis. Modell cited financial reasons and a lackluster stadium as the main reasons for the move, according to SB Nation. Modell’s controversial announcement resulted in lawsuits from the city of Cleveland and season ticket holders. It also prompted a fan rally led by actor Drew Carey and a protest by rival team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Just one day after Modell’s announcement, the city approved a measure to fund the debt-heavy Cleveland Municipal Stadium. The NFL stepped in and brokered a deal with Cleveland – offering to pause the Browns franchise for three years until a new stadium could be built and also allowing Modell to open the Baltimore Ravens in 1996.