Steve Sabol, who co-founded NFL Films decades ago and changed the way we watch the game, passed away this morning after battling brain cancer.
He was 69.
Steve reportedly suffered a seizure in March 2011. He had been receiving treatment ever since for a tumor in his brain that doctors could not remove.
Sabol co-founded NFL Films in 1962. Its dramatic montages, music and candid player soundbites from the field fueled the league’s immense popularity.
NFL Films produced several iconic shows in addition to its feature-length movies, including Hard Knocks, NFL Films Presents and Football Follies.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement on Sabol’s deat:
“Steve’s passion for football was matched by 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.”