When it comes to Art Modell and his credentials for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame – the former Browns owner is a semifinalist for next year’s class as a contributor – it all comes down to “the other stuff.”

Y’all know what “the other stuff” is, his move of the original Browns franchise to Baltimore following the 1995.

More on that in my next post.

But if it weren’t for “the other stuff,” Modell would already be in the Hall, hands down. There’s absolutely no question about it.

All the things mentioned about him in my last post – his leadership in the NFL prior to The Move, including with the growth of the league through the game-changing TV deals he helped broker and his innovation and willingness to take chances and try new things in a number of areas – would make him a shoo-in. The NFL was greatly affected by the man who bought the Browns for $4 million in 1961.

If only his bio ended there.

If only those were the only parts of his resume that were being considered by HOF voters.

If only, if only, he would have gone into the Hall a couple decades ago. He is deserving – and then some.

But it isn’t, so Modell isn’t. There’s so much to Art Modell’s tenure in the NFL. Actually, it’s just one thing, but it’s incredibly big and with so many tentacles.

It’s a monster that eats up the good stuff and spits it out.

And that’s the problem.

Steve King