The Browns will recognize former owner Art Modell prior to Sunday's home-opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Tom Withers of the AP. Modell died of natural causes at 87 years old on Thursday morning, instantly prompting a flood of both positive and negative reaction across the league.

There had been debate about whether the Browns should have a moment of silence before Sunday's game. It's not clear exactly what the team will do to recognize the former owner, but spokesman Neal Gulkis indicated that the team made the decision on their own -- it was not mandated by the league:

#browns spokesman Neal Gulkis said it was a browns decision. Team wants to show respect and dignity for family community and fans on modell

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 7, 2012

While Modell did not own the current Browns organization, he did own the former Browns for more than 30 years before moving the team to Baltimore, making him one of the most hated figures in the city's history.

Stick with this StoryStream for more memories of Modell from around the league. For all things Browns, head over to Dawgs by Nature.