For 12 seasons, Baltimore went without an NFL team.

When the Colts packed their bags and left for Indianapolis in the middle of the night in 1984, Baltimore felt betrayed. It waited, hoping one day the NFL would return to the city.

Baltimore’s always been a football town, just ask any of the old Colts fans who grew up attending training camp practices in Westminster, Md.

When the Colts left, it was a major blow to the city.

This is why Art Modell, who died Thursday at John Hopkins Hospital of natural causes at age 87, meant a lot to Baltimore. Bringing the Ravens to Baltimore gave the city something special again.

Yes, fans in Cleveland resented Modell moving the original Browns franchise, and the fans state a good case. What happened to Baltimore in 1984 happened to Cleveland fans in 1996.

But Baltimore was grateful to Modell for bringing the game the city loved back home. When news of Modell’s death broke early Thursday morning, it sent a city into mourning.

“Sadly, I can confirm that my father died peacefully of natural causes at four this morning,” Modell’s son, David Modell, said in a statement. “My brother John Modell and I were with him when he finally rejoined the absolute love of his life, my mother Pat Modell, who passed away last October.

“’Poppy’ was a special man who was loved by his sons, his daughter-in-law Michel, and his six grandchildren. Moreover, he was adored by the entire Baltimore community for his kindness and generosity. And, he loved Baltimore. He made an important and indelible contribution to the lives of his children, grandchildren and his entire community. We will miss him.”

Tweets remembering Modell:

Torrey Smith, Ravens starting WR -- @TorreySmithWR: "RIP Mr. Art Modell...without his dream I would have never been able to play for this great city...thank you."

Brad Jackson, former Ravens LB -- @BJack50: "Im humbled&honored to have played for such a great leader, boss & man as Mr Modell. Honored to have given him a World Championship!"

Jameel McClain, Ravens starting LB -- @JameelMcClain: "R.I.P to Art Modell an amazing person who effected so many aspects of our history from Cleveland to Syracuse to Baltimore. … Equality that he strived for in this game will only be a small part of a great legacy."

Jamal Lewis, Ravens all-time leading rusher -- @Jamal31Lewis: "RIP to Art Modell.... It was a great pleasure and a privilege to play under one of the great pioneers of the NFL. … I can still remember the day he chose me as baltimore's 1st pick in the 2000 draft."

Brian Billick, former Ravens coach -- @CoachBillick: "Art Modell was one of kindest men I have ever known. I am proud to have called him a friend & will miss him dearly."

Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLBAL and @JasonButtCBS.