OT: NFL Films President Steve Sabol passes away at 69
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8395254/nfl-films-president-steve-sabol-dies-brain-cancer
Sad news about the passing of a true innovator and the de facto "curator" of the NFL brand. As many remembrances are noting, NFL Films created a mystique and a majesty around the NFL that remains to some extent today (although replacement refs and headhunting tacklers aren't helping). Even Football Follies only added to the grandeur.
From what I can personally recall (and also quickly Google) I don't think NFL Films crossed over to do any work in the college game, but it's fun to fantasize about how Sabol would have documented some of Michigan's greatest games and seasons, complete with a mic'ed-up Bo and soundbites from Ufer. Sabol's works were the original hype videos, you might say.
September 18th, 2012 at 4:10 PM ^
September 18th, 2012 at 4:50 PM ^
September 18th, 2012 at 7:33 PM ^
September 18th, 2012 at 4:10 PM ^
September 18th, 2012 at 4:15 PM ^
I think his work went a long way to help get the NFL where it is. There was a cinematic quality to NFL films work that really brought out the intensity of football. He will be missed.
September 18th, 2012 at 4:28 PM ^
NFL Films has done incredible work. With their stirring music and documentary-style commentatory, they've made games with scores of like 27-10 seem like epic moments in history.
September 18th, 2012 at 4:33 PM ^
RIP I grew up watching NFL films and I fell in love with football.
September 18th, 2012 at 4:34 PM ^
RIP Steve, thanks for all of your hard work.
September 18th, 2012 at 4:53 PM ^
Damn. An icon from an iconic family. I knew he had the cancer, didn't realize he wasn't doing so hot lately (assuming this wasn't an "unexpected" passing). RIP Steve. You've certainly helped a proud franchise get where they are today.
September 18th, 2012 at 4:55 PM ^
That sucks...he was always entertaining to watch and was quite a historian of the game...really respected the NFL. 69 is too young but cancer is a bitch.
September 18th, 2012 at 4:59 PM ^
Thank you Steve Sabol. Your work is one of the main reasons I fell in love with the NFL
September 18th, 2012 at 5:04 PM ^
Sabol (Ed and Steve) and NFL Films, slow-motion replay, blooper reels, the music and the voice of John Facenda really did turn the sport into art and allowed you to drill down to the level of the individuals that make it a great sport. He will be sorely missed.
September 18th, 2012 at 5:55 PM ^
There are very few things that I find shocking anymore, but I was trully shocked a few years back when I found out that Steve Sabol was not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I know his father is and I've heard a lot of talk today that it's almost a package deal but I'm hard pressed to think of anyone more deserving... player, coach, owner, administrator, broadcaster, journalist. Who was better at their job and did more for NFL football than Steve Sabol???
September 18th, 2012 at 6:31 PM ^
I got to meet Steve once, as he not only was a fellow alumnus of Colorado College, but a member of my fraternity as well. A really cool, down-to-earth guy who did amazing things for the NFL. He will be missed.
September 18th, 2012 at 7:40 PM ^
September 18th, 2012 at 8:47 PM ^
September 18th, 2012 at 8:00 PM ^
September 18th, 2012 at 9:12 PM ^
This is truly sad...Cant think of watching any doc on NFL football without him...Seemed to be a good guy.. RIP STEVE SABOL
September 18th, 2012 at 11:04 PM ^
Here is a classic NFL segment, that has every element that NFL Films became known for: narration, sound, music, various camera angles, slo mo etc. It is epic
September 19th, 2012 at 2:01 PM ^
I loved the positive spins NFL Films would give at the end of their episodes that focused on one team's season, even when the team was terrible. In the waning moments of the Lions loss in Green Bay to complete the 0-16 season of 2008, I remember saying "I don't know how Steve Sabol will make this sound hopeful but he will probably find a way."