Name David Modell Role Business executive | Spouse Michel Modell Siblings John Modell | |
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Full Name David Orrick McDearmon, Jr. Occupation businessman, sports team executive, attorney, consultant Years active 1996–2004 (as NFL team executive)1984–present (as attorney) Parents Art Modell, Patricia Breslin, David McDearmon Grandparents Edward Breslin, Marjorie Breslin Similar People Art Modell, Patricia Breslin, David McDearmon, Steve Schklair, Spike Lee | ||
David Modell (born David Orrick McDearmon, Jr.; August 16, 1960 – January 13, 2017) was an American business executive and sports team owner who served as President and COO of the National Football League's Baltimore Ravens.
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Early years
Modell was the son of the late 1960s film and television actress Patricia Breslin and the late television and movie actor David Orrick McDearmon (1914–1979).
During his 25-year association with the original Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens, he worked in the ticket office and in the public relations and marketing divisions. He started working for the Browns' organization at age 14, in 1975, helping the members of the grounds crew.
In 1969, David's mother wed Cleveland Browns owner and advertising executive Art Modell. Shortly after, Modell legally adopted him and his brother, John.
Baltimore Ravens
From the franchise's arrival in Baltimore as the re-christened "Ravens" in 1996, to the sale of the team to Steve Bisciotti in 2003, David was primarily involved with negotiating player contracts, as well as coordinating game day operations. He also helped to coordinate the fan vote to rename the team in 1996, and was involved in the selection of the team's new logo.
Shortly after the Ravens' victory in Super Bowl XXXV, Modell was handed control of the team's primary day-by-day operations by his father, team owner Art, who bought the franchise (then the Cleveland Browns) in 1961. Since the change of principal ownership, Modell, like his late father Art, maintained a position with the team as a consultant, and kept a low public profile.
Personal life
Modell lived in Baltimore with his second wife, Michel, and helped run Modell Ventures. From his previous marriage, he had four children; two daughters, Breslin and Collier, and two sons, David, Jr. and Arthur. Modell also had an older brother, John, who is a music composer/producer, and is president of Modular Entertainment, a music and multimedia production company.
Modell served as chairman for 3ality Digital, Inc., which provides 3D entertainment solutions from image captures through broadcast, in any viewing platform, for various consumers. His brother, John, also serves as part of the company's Board Of Directors. He died on January 13, 2017, from lung cancer.