Page "Baltimore Ravens" Paragraph 4

The Baltimore Ravens came into existence in 1996 when Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his intention to relocate his team from Cleveland to Baltimore.

The resulting controversy ended when representatives of Cleveland and the NFL reached a settlement on February 8, 1996.

Commissioner Paul Tagliabue promised the city of Cleveland that an NFL team would be located in Cleveland, either through relocation or expansion, " no later than 1999 ".

Additionally, the agreement stipulated that the Browns ' name, colors, uniform design and franchise records would remain in Cleveland.

The franchise history includes Browns club records and connections with Pro Football Hall of Fame players.

Modell's Baltimore team, while retaining all current player contracts, would, for purposes of team history, appear as an expansion team, a " new franchise.

" Not all players, staff or front office would make the move to Baltimore, however.