<P> The reactivated Browns have had only two winning seasons since returning to the NFL in 1999: a 9--7 finish in 2002 which also saw the team clinch a wild card spot in the playoffs, and a 10--6 finish in 2007 while barely missing the playoffs . Meanwhile, the Ravens have been more successful, reaching the playoffs eight times since 2000 and winning Super Bowl XXXV and Super Bowl XLVII, often to the dismay of Browns fans . Longtime placekicker Matt Stover was the last remaining Ravens player that played for the Modell - owned Browns--he departed the Ravens following the 2008 season when the team chose not to re-sign him, finishing his career with the Indianapolis Colts . General manager and former Browns tight end Ozzie Newsome (who was in a front - office role under Modell in Cleveland) remains with the Ravens . </P> <P> The move would also have an effect in Pittsburgh as well . Steelers owner Dan Rooney was one of two owners to oppose Modell's move to Baltimore because of a mutual respect for the team and the fans . Because of the move, the Browns--Steelers rivalry, arguably one of the most heated rivalries in the NFL, has somewhat cooled in Pittsburgh due to the new Browns' lack of success . The Steelers--Ravens rivalry is considered the spiritual successor by fans in Pittsburgh and is one of the most heated current rivalries in the NFL . Since returning to the NFL, the Browns and Steelers rivalry has been largely one - sided in favor of Pittsburgh; although the rivalry is not as intense in Pittsburgh, Browns fans still consider it their top rivalry despite the Browns' recent struggles against the Steelers . </P> <P> Because of continual financial hardships, the NFL directed Modell to initiate the sale of his franchise . On March 27, 2000, NFL owners approved the sale of 49 percent of the Ravens to Steve Bisciotti . In the deal, Bisciotti had an option to purchase the remaining 51 percent for $325 million in 2004 from Art Modell . On April 8, 2004, the NFL approved Steve Bisciotti's purchase of the majority stake in the club . </P> <P> Although Modell later retired and had relinquished control of the Ravens, he is still hated in Cleveland, not only for relocating the Browns, but also for his firing of legendary head coach Paul Brown in 1963 . Some considered the Browns' relocation and subsequent lawsuits costing Modell a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which is located in Canton, Ohio, just 60 miles south of Cleveland and is both part of the Cleveland television market and part of the Browns' territorial rights . Modell died in 2012, never returning to Cleveland after the move . </P>

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