Steve Sabol, the president of NFL Films, died of brain cancer on Tuesday at the age of 69.
“Steve Sabol was the creative genius behind the remarkable work of NFL Films,” said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. “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.”
Sabol worked for his father and founder of NFL Films, Ed Sabol, beginning in 1964 as a cinematographer, and eventually took over the company. Steve introduced his father during Ed’s enshrinment to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
Steve Sabol won over 40 Emmy awards and oversaw 107 Emmys for NFL Films. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003 from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for “revolutionizing the way America watches football and setting the standard in sports filmmaking.”
Sabol received the Pete Rozelle Award, given each year to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the NFL and to professional football. In November of 2011, Steve and his father, Ed, were inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame, and Steve was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in December.
Steve Sabol and NFL Films broke ground as the first to wire players for coaches and sound. Sabol’s work with NFL Films has helped revolutionize the way we watch football.
Statement from Colts owner Jim Irsay: "With the passing of Steve Sabol, this is a sad day for football fans everywhere. As someone who grew up watching NFL Films creations, I can attest to Steve’s vision and contribution to the incredible popularity of this sport. His, along with his father, Ed’s, creativity and passion for the game cultivated many, many avid fans. On behalf of the entire Colts organization I send our sympathy to the Sabol family and his colleagues at NFL Films."
Statement from the NFLPA: "Steve Sabol leaves a lasting impact on the National Football League that will be felt for a long time to come. His vision and innovation helped make him a pioneer the likes of which the NFL has never seen before and won’t see again. The Players of the NFL are indebted to Steve for his immense contributions to advancing our game and helping make the fan experience as great as it is. He was also a true friend of the Players. Our entire Player community will miss Steve, his brilliance and his warmth. He, and his father before him, linked generations of fans to generations of Players. We send our thoughts and condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. He was truly one of a kind."
