Weeks 1 & 2: Shame on you, Cleveland... The Beauty of Art

I'd be remiss in these first few weeks of this 2012 NFL season if I did not pay tribute to an NFL legend; and, more importantly a wonderful, passionate, intelligent and generous human being. Art Modell, owner of the Baltimore Ravens, passed away just over one week ago.


Art was family. He never missed a milestone in either my sister or my life. He was at graduations, birthdays and weddings. He gave us the life we know today.

And now our hearts break as Art's legacy is reduced to his decision to move the Browns out of Cleveland. Cleveland came for blood, eventually making it an unwelcome place for any of our families to return.

Yes, Lebron left you and went on to win an NBA Championship. Yes, the former Browns turned Ravens left you and went on to win a Superbowl. Coincidental? Loyalty is valuable. Revenue is invaluable.

So, it's time to let go, Cleveland. Your unwillingness to move on is making your city an ugly place to stay.

Art - we give you the last word. We thank you. We admire you. We strive to emulate what you were. We will miss you.