in Baltimore – Art Modell. The Baltimore Ravens franchise sold to a local guy, who cares, like Steve Bisciotti – Art Modell. Philanthropic and charitable endeavors from coast-to-coast – Art Modell. Thousands of people lining up at M&T Bank Stadium to say thank you earlier today – Art Modell.
I’m just scratching the surface of an amazing life lived. I realize it. I’m in no way a Modell family insider and don’t have all the stories to share, even if I wanted to. I’m just thinking out loud here – sharing – up until the right now of my lifetime, Art pushed the go button and made an awe inspiring run.
On Monday night the Cincinnati Bengals invade Baltimore to take on the Ravens on Monday Night Football. The Bengals franchise was started by Paul Brown and is now owned and operated by Paul’s son, Mike Brown. The Bengals will be led by head coach Marvin Lewis (Marvin joined our show to reflect on Art Modell, listen here:http://bit.ly/TYZ3SP), who has a Super Bowl ring stashed somewhere with purple bling on it. The game will be played in “Prime Time” as the first of two “Prime Time” games now part of Monday Night Football. The teams will clash in front of a frenzied, sell out crowd, in a stadium built to accommodate OUR NFL TEAM. The atmosphere will be thick and highly charged. As recent match-ups have proven, the Bengals and Ravens will probably play a close game and it’ll be fun to watch. Any hint of orange & black in the stands wont offend this time around, because our Orioles are for real – so fly those colors Bengals fans. Baltimore is ready. I’m sure most fans would drive down there right now and get the tailgating started. The lights will be beaming, the cameras will be fixated and the action will be awesome – ART MODELL.
Prior to kickoff there will be a moment of silence in honor of Mr. Modell. Take that moment to reflect. Reflect on a guy who certainly seized the day, for himself and his loved ones, his way – while also giving us something fantastic. Thanks to Art, we did build a museum and for generations to come we’ll fill the walls, open spaces and nooks with banners and statues and trophies. Take a moment to look skyward and smile. Art is there, with Pat, telling her a joke or two…then he’ll watch some football. Monday Night Football…against Paul Brown’s guys.
“Days like today, times like these, bring about a need for moments of solitude and reflection.”
“I’m 44, and no longer qualify as “young” while not yet staring straight down the barrel of “old”. I’m truly in the “middle” – I hope.”
“Art Modell was 43 when I was born. He was in the “middle”.”
“Time is the only commodity worth cultivating. With enough of it, if spent wisely, everything else will fall into place. Wasting time is a sin.”
I grabbed a stellar dose of clarity today. Much needed. Guys like Art Modell blaze a trail, not one of unblemished perfection, but one which is laid out and lit up to show us just how to enjoy a remarkable journey.
Thanks for everything Mr. Modell.
September 8th, 2012 at 10:41 pm
“Time is the only commodity worth cultivating. With enough of it, if spent wisely, everything else will fall into place. Wasting time is a sin.”
Bulldog that is one of the most poignant quotes I’ve heard in a long time…stellar.
September 9th, 2012 at 10:58 am
Bulldog – excellent, excellent reflective piece you’ve written on Mr. Model. I’ve been amazed at how so much of what has been reported locally all ties the common theme of Mr. Modell’s courage and conviction to taking chances in life as a central element of success. Thanks for sharing your thoughts so eloquently.