NFL

NFL Loses a Legend as NFL Films Founder Ed Sabol Dies

Getty Images

Getty Images

If it wasn’t for Ed Sabol, the founder of NFL Films, the NFL might not enjoy the world-wide popularity that it does today.

Sadly, the man behind the NFL’s ridiculous popularity passed away on Monday in his Scottsdale home.

What Sabol brought to the league was the ability to turn a sport into a cinematic experience. Sabol introduced us to innovations such as super slow-motion, bloopers and reverse angles. He was a filming pioneer who was never afraid to go against conventional thinking, passing along his knack for creating amazing NFL works of art to his son, Steve.

While he was with NFL Films, the organization was awarded 52 Emmys, evidencing just how inspirational and impactful his work was.

Sabol was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011, where his bust graces the halls alongside some of the NFL’s biggest and brightest stars. Although he never played football and his only experience filming the sport was during Steve’s high school games, Sabol helped change the way we watch football today — a gift that keeps on giving after each and every season.

“I dreamed the impossible dream, and I’m living it right this minute,” Sabol said during his induction speech.

Sabol will be sorely missed among the NFL community as well as anywhere fans are watching the sport.

Our hearts go out to the Sabol family during this tough time.

Share Tweet