CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns will not be publicly recognizing Art Modell's passing during their pre-game activities at Cleveland Browns Stadium on Sunday.

Browns President Mike Holmgren reached out to Modell's son, David, and said 'we want to do the right thing by the Modell family,'' according to Ravens spokesman Kevin Byrne.

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

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

Modell, owner of the Browns from 1961-95, died Thursday morning of natural causes at the age of 87. He had been suffering from congestive heart failure and other serious ailments

After many conversations, some with the NFL office, the Browns had planned just a brief read over the public address system. No moment of silence or photos on the scoreboard were to be included.

Byrne, a native Clevelander who worked for Modell for 31 years, told The Plain Dealer Thursday that he didn't think the Browns should do anything because of the fans' intense anger over Modell moving the team to Baltimore in 1996.

The NFL sent a memo to all clubs on Friday asking that they commemorate Modell's death in some way. Many are planning a moment of silence or a scoreboard tribute.