NFL's Art Modell passes away at Age 87

[KML0224]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap10...avens-owner-was-87?module=HP11_headline_stack

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8343621/former-ravens-owner-art-modell-dies-87

Reading on, this article definitely has a LOT to do with the NFL on network TV and how he helped it evolve.Definitely one of the most influential team owners in NFL history, whether you liked him or not. :-\

 

[RicoGregg]

One thing Modell never lived down was his famous remark made during the mid-60's NFL-AFL merger talks when he said:

"I don't ever want to see the Denver Broncos in my stadium."

I think it's safe to say that he regretted saying that in the mid-to-late 80's. :

 

[Joseph_Gallant]

Art Modell was one of the major forces behind the NFL getting a prime-time TV deal for Monday-night games on ABC.

He was heavily involved in negotiations with the networks.

Actually, an independent packager, Hughes Sports Network, actually outbid ABC for the rights in 1969 (to cover the 1970 through 1972 seasons), but commissioner Pete Rozelle decided to go with an existing network and went with ABC, who made the next-highest bid.

Had Hughes gotten "MNF", it's possible that half of ABC's affiliates (a total of about 95 or so stations in those days), including at least one O&O, would have pre-empted the network to carry "MNF" from Hughes.

One thought: Had Hughes succeeded in "MNF", might it have tried to become a full-fledged "fourth network" with a full prime-time schedule of entertainment shows, as well as daytime soaps, other sports, evening newscasts, Saturday-morning cartoons, etc.??

With Howard Hughes' money behind it, the company certainly could have been able to afford it.

And the last four decades of television history might have been different.