OWINGS MILLS — Former Baltimore Ravens majority owner Art Modell was named one of the 25 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2010.
Modell was a finalist in 2001, and he was a semifinalist six previous times in 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and last year.
Because of Modell’s decision to move the original Cleveland Browns to Maryland in 1996, his candidacy has drawn mixed reviews from voters.
Modell sold majority interest of the team to Anne Arundel County businessman Steve Bisciotti in 2004, and he retains one percent of the team as its minority owner.
The list of semifinalists will be cut to 15 finalists on Jan. 7 before final induction voting from the selection committee the day before the Super Bowl.
Former Ravens tight end Shannon Sharpe was also named as a semifinalist after being named a finalist last year.
Modell and Sharpe face stiff competition from 23 other semifinalists: cornerback Aeneas Williams, special-teamer Steve Tasker, former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, running back Emmitt Smith, wide receiver Jerry Rice, wide receiver Andre Reed, defensive tackle John Randle, defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy, cornerback Lester Hayes, defensive end Charles Haley, punter Ray Guy, offensive guard Russ Grimm, outside linebacker Kevin Greene, defensive end Chris Doleman, defensive end Richard Dent, center Dermontti Dawson, running back Terrell Davis, running back Roger Craig, coach Don Coryell, wide receiver Cris Carter, wide receiver Tim Brown and wide receiver Cliff Branch.
Two Senior Committee nominees were named in August: Dick LeBeau and Floyd Little.
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.
