The 1996 NFL season was the 77th regular season of the National Football League (NFL) and the season was marked by notable controversies from beginning to end. Most significantly, the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy resulted in a then-unique legal settlement where the Cleveland Browns franchise, history, records, and intellectual property remained in Cleveland, while its players and personnel transferred to Baltimore, technically to a new league franchise that was named the Baltimore Ravens.
1996 AFC West champion Denver hosts Tampa Bay at Mile High Stadium, September 15, 1996
Cleveland Browns relocation controversy
The Cleveland Browns relocation controversy—colloquially called "The Move" by fans—followed the announcement by Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell that his National Football League (NFL) team would move from its longtime home of Cleveland to Baltimore for the 1996 NFL season.
Cleveland Stadium, where the Browns played until 1995.
Art Modell in 1980
The Super Bowl-winning Baltimore Ravens in the White House on June 8, 2001. The Ravens won Super Bowl XXXV just five seasons after the move.