NFL Films’ Steve Sabol Dead At 69

One of the founding members of “NFL Films,” Steve Sabol, passed away this morning after battling brain cancer. He was 69.

Doctors discovered an unremovable tumor in his brain after he suffered a seizure in March 2011, he had been receiving treatment ever since.

Sabol co-founded NFL Films in the ’60s with his father, Ed Sabol and together they revolutionized the way football fans watched the game with slow dramatic montages, compelling music and candid player soundbites from the field and the sidelines.

NFL Films produced several iconic shows including, “Hard Knocks,” “NFL Films Presents” and “Football Follies.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement on Sabol’s death saying, “Steve’s passion for football was matched by his incredible talent and energy. Steve’s legacy will be part of the NFL forever. He was a major contributor to the success of the NFL, a man who changed the way we look at football and sports, and a great friend.”