Browns will not recognize Art Modell during pregame

The Cleveland Browns will not recognized former owner Art Modell during pre-game activities, at the request of Modell's family. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The Cleveland Browns will honor a request and will not publicly recognize Art Modell's death during pre-game activities, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. The Browns play the Philadelphia Eagles in the season opener tomorrow.

Browns president Mike Holmgren talked to Modell's son, David, about the tribute.

"David told Mike that he reallly appreciated the call and the offer, but that he knew it would not be totally accepted by the Cleveland fans,'' Baltimore Ravens spokesman Kevin Byrne said. "David suggested that the Browns not do a tribute."

Modell was the owner of the Browns from 1961 to 1995. He died Thursday morning of natural causes at the age of 87.

The Browns received a backlash from angry fans when they announced Friday that they would have an "appropriate recognition'' at the Stadium Sunday before their opener against the Eagles.