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Carroll Rosenbloom & Jim Brown Original TYPE I Snapshot Photo with Long Trolling Letter to Art Modell in Carroll Rosenbloom’s Hand – One of a Kind Unique Historical Piece
This original 3.5” x 3.5” TYPE I snapshot photograph printed by Haagman Colour Prints - features Baltimore Colts owner, Carroll Rosenbloom with Jim Brown of the Cleveland Brown in June of 1966 (stamped on the back of the photo June 1966) a month before Brown retired from the NFL, which shocked the world. Brown was in London filming “The Dirty Dozen” and sent a letter and a long- distance phone call to Cleveland Browns owner, Art Modell informing of his retirement from professional football at age 30. In the meantime, he was hanging out with his buddy, Colts owner, Carroll Rosenbloom.
Although Rosenbloom and Modell were initially buddies, they had a falling out and Jim Brown and Model were quarrelling at that time as well (no thanks to Rosenbloom). To rub salt into the wound, Carroll sent this photo to Modell and wrote a long trolling note on the back of the photo.
In the TROLL OF ALL TROLLS – ROSENBLOOM WROTE -,“Jim Brown – A picture of sublimity as he signs 5-year contract with Rosenbloom To Play for Baltimore – Brown said “How sweet it is to feel truly wanted to finally find a man who really understands me. I am sure it will be a pleasure and delight to play the next five years for the Colts. Down with Modell Long live Rosenbloom,” was Brown’s closing comment.
Rosenbloom refuses to comment on sweat shop conditions at Cleveland as previously outlined by Brown as a true sportsman he simply said, “There are Modell’s – Then there are people like me.”
Carroll Rosenbloom (1907-1979) was one of the most successful and influential NFL team owners in league history. He first entered professional football in 1953 when he became the owner of the Baltimore Colts, where he built a powerhouse team that won NFL Championships in 1958 and 1959, with the 1958 title game against the New York Giants being famously known as "The Greatest Game Ever Played." Under his leadership, the Colts became one of the NFL's model franchises, consistently fielding competitive teams led by legendary players like Johnny Unitas.
In one of the most unusual transactions in NFL history, Rosenbloom executed what was effectively a tax-free swap of franchises with Robert Irsay in 1972, trading the Baltimore Colts for the Los Angeles Rams. This innovative deal allowed both owners to avoid significant capital gains taxes. Under Rosenbloom's ownership, the Rams continued their success, making the playoffs in six of his seven seasons as owner while featuring stars like Jack Youngblood and Lawrence McCutcheon.
Rosenbloom's tenure as an NFL owner came to an abrupt end when he drowned while swimming off Florida's Golden Beach in April 1979. His wife Georgia Frontiere inherited controlling interest in the Rams, though there was some controversy and speculation surrounding his death. His legacy includes being one of the most innovative and successful owners in NFL history, known for hiring capable people and giving them autonomy to run his teams, while also being instrumental in the NFL's growth during the television era.
Carroll Rosenbloom and Cleveland Browns’ owner, Art Modell’s Relationship –
Carroll Rosenbloom and Art Modell had a complex and often adversarial relationship that significantly impacted NFL politics in the 1960s and early 1970s. Initially close friends when Modell purchased the Cleveland Browns in 1961, their relationship soured primarily over league business matters and competing interests within the NFL's power structure.
A key source of tension emerged when Modell became the chairman of the NFL's television committee in 1962. Rosenbloom, who had previously been influential in NFL television negotiations, felt Modell was encroaching on his territory. The situation was exacerbated when Modell negotiated a landmark television deal with CBS that Rosenbloom believed undervalued the league's broadcast rights.
Their deteriorating relationship also affected league politics, with the two owners often finding themselves on opposing sides of major NFL decisions. Rosenbloom reportedly played a role in working against Modell's ambitions to become NFL commissioner, and their rivalry became one of the more noteworthy owner relationships of that era. Despite their personal differences, both men were considered among the most influential owners in helping to shape the modern NFL, particularly in terms of television contracts and league expansion.
An interesting footnote is that their teams, the Baltimore Colts and Cleveland Browns, developed a fierce rivalry during this period, adding another layer of complexity to their personal relationship. The animosity between these two powerful owners served as an example of how personal relationships among NFL owners could significantly impact league operations and decisions during this formative period of professional football.
Carroll Rosenbloom tried to acquire Jim Brown
Rosenbloom made a significant attempt to acquire Jim Brown from the Cleveland Browns in 1962. He offered what was considered an extraordinary sum for that era - reportedly $1 million plus several players - in an attempt to bring Brown to the Baltimore Colts. However, Art Modell, who had just purchased the Browns, refused the offer and made it clear that Brown was not for sale at any price.
This attempted acquisition is particularly interesting given the context of Rosenbloom and Modell's deteriorating relationship. The offer came early in Modell's ownership of the Browns, before their relationship had fully soured. The magnitude of the offer was unprecedented for its time and demonstrated both Rosenbloom's aggressive business style and his high regard for Brown's talents.
The failed trade attempt didn't negatively impact Rosenbloom's relationship with Brown himself - in fact, they maintained their friendship long after Brown retired from football.
Carroll Rosenbloom’s Personal relationship with Jim Brown
Carroll Rosenbloom maintained a unique and positive relationship with Jim Brown, despite Brown playing for the rival Cleveland Browns rather than Rosenbloom's teams. Their connection extended beyond football, with Rosenbloom becoming something of a mentor and advocate for Brown, particularly during Brown's transition into his post-NFL career.
Most notably, Rosenbloom supported Brown's early ventures into acting and business. After Brown's sudden retirement from football in 1966 while filming "The Dirty Dozen," Rosenbloom was one of the few NFL figures who publicly supported Brown's decision to pursue an acting career. He understood and respected Brown's desire to expand beyond football, at a time when many others in the NFL were critical of Brown's choice.
The relationship between the two men was particularly interesting because it transcended the typical owner-player dynamic of that era. Rosenbloom, known for his business acumen and connections in entertainment, helped advise Brown on various business and career opportunities. Their friendship demonstrated Rosenbloom's ability to build meaningful relationships beyond team affiliations, which was somewhat unusual for NFL owners of that period.
*NOT FOR SALE*
Item: 13786
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