Ohm Youngmisuk, ESPN Staff Writer 12y

Mara: Modell will be missed 'dearly'

The NFL world is still reacting to the passing of Art Modell.

John Mara, Giants President and Chief Executive Officer, called Modell one of the best owners ever in the NFL -- a Hall of Fame owner.

"Art Modell was one of the greatest owners in the history of the NFL," Mara said in a statement. "He contributed in so many ways to the success of this League and he deserves a place in Canton. More importantly, he was a decent man and a great friend to my family. We will miss him dearly."

Giants chairman Steve Tisch will remember Modell's sense of humor and how he helped the Tisch family get into NFL ownership.

"Art Modell was a visionary, a deal-maker and a friend," Tisch said. "And he possessed a marvelous sense of humor. Our league and my father and our family benefitted from his great qualities and foresight. It was Art who formally introduced my father to Wellington Mara, which ultimately led to my father purchasing 50 percent of the Giants franchise. For that, and for Art's good nature, we will always be grateful."

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