Tagged: ‘Art Modell’

posted by on September 21, 2012 3:00 PM

The very first Monday Night Football game aired 42 years ago today

On this day 42 years ago — September 21, 1970 — sports television’s signature series was born.

The Cleveland Browns defeated star quarterback Joe Namath and the New York Jets 31-21 in front of more than 80,000 rabid fans and a curious national audience as ABC’s Monday Night Football made its prime time debut. The photo gallery above features archival black and white images from that debut night.

Producer Roone Arledge changed the way the NFL was presented on television that season with the three-man booth team of Keith Jackson, Don Meredith and Howard Cosell, and by implementing twice the number of cameras normally used during game telecasts, as well as replays and graphics. continue reading…

Filed in: Behind The Scenes

posted by on September 6, 2012 1:29 PM

ESPN President John Skipper on the death of Art Modell

Art Modell, former owner of the Baltimore Ravens. (Photo Courtesy of Getty Images)

One of the NFL’s most influential leaders ever, Art Modell, passed away on Thursday.

ESPN President John Skipper had this to say about the former Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens owner:
“Art Modell was a leader and a visionary who helped guide the National Football League on its incredible path of success, particularly in the area of television. A leading figure behind the landmark agreement that created Monday Night Football on ABC in 1970, Modell was truly ahead of his time. His influence on the game will continue to be felt by generations of fans. We extend our condolences to the entire Modell family and we plan to appropriately honor him during our Monday Night Football opener in Baltimore this week.”

Also, ESPN’s Mel Kiper, a native of Baltimore who still lives in the area, offered his thoughts on Art Modell to Front Row:
“Visionaries know and understand things long before others do. Art Modell’s vision for the NFL was impeccable.

Personally, I see him as one of the most important figures in the history of the NFL. He was an integral part of every major initiative that has vaulted the league to where it is today. The NFL wouldn’t be what it is without Art Modell’s vision. continue reading…

Filed in: Breaking News, Uncategorized