"The Move": Exploring the Cleveland Browns' Failed Relocation to Baltimore
The Cleveland Browns have a long history in the NFL. The team was founded in 1945 as one of the original eight teams in the NFL, and has experienced its fair share of success in the league over the decades. The team has also had several series of ups and downs in the league.
One of the most controversial periods in the history of the Cleveland Browns came in 1995. There was an attempt by the then-owner, Art Modell, to relocate the team from Cleveland to Baltimore. This was met with widespread reaction and rejection of the idea in Cleveland, which had been the team's home for a long time.
The Decision to Move the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore
The Cleveland Browns were on the brink of financial ruin in 1995. Modell, who has owned the team since 1961, has grown increasingly frustrated about the team's lack of success on and off the field of play. He was also not satisfied with the condition of the Cleveland Stadium, which he felt was outdated and needed to be replaced.
Nov. 6/1995 - Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell announces that he is moving the Browns to Baltimore. https://t.co/C2FhPPpP2m
This led to Modell deciding to move the team from Cleveland to Baltimore, resigning on his earlier pledge never to relocate the team. He officially announced to the fans and general public in November 1995, that the team was moving to Baltimore. However, a relocation like this needed the approval of the league body before it could be taken.
Reactions and Settlement
The decision was met with a wild reaction in Cleveland. There was massive opposition from the fans and there were a series of protests against the decision. Cleveland sued Modell, the Browns, Stadium Corp., and several other parties for having a hand in what became known as "the move." The US Congress also held a hearing on the matter.
On this day in 1996: The NFL officially allowed then #Browns owner Art Modell to move his franchise to Baltimore, leading to the creation of the #Ravens
The Ravens now have the 3rd highest winning % in NFL history, just behind the #Packers and #Cowboys https://t.co/F7L3JT3BwM
The intervention of the NFL ensured a settlement was reached between the parties involved. The legal settlement agreed to keep the legacy of the Browns in Cleveland, while Modell would be granted an expansion franchise in exchange. The Browns would be deactivated for three years while Modell would relocate his sporting personnel to form the Baltimore Ravens.
Browns' Failed Move and the Rebirth
Although Art Modell was able to relocate his "football organization" to Baltimore, the Browns’ franchise remained in Cleveland. The settlement required a new stadium to be built in Cleveland within three years of deactivation. The Browns were reactivated by the NFL in 1998 and ownership was granted to Al Lerner, who took charge of the franchise's new future.
This failed attempt to move to Baltimore marked a turning point in the history of the Cleveland Browns. The controversy would eventually lead to a rebirth for the team. The failed attempt to move to Baltimore will always be a part of the team's history. It will also serve as a reminder that the team was able to rise from the ashes and make a comeback.