NFL Films' Steve Sabol Dies At 69

Sad.

The founder of NFL Films Steve Sabol died on Tuesday from brain cancer. He was 69 years old.

Sabol was first diagnosed in March 2011 after he was hospitalized for a seizure and doctors found a tumor on the left side of his brain.

Sabol was a pioneer and innovator in NFL broadcasting. He's credited as the person whom first introduced slow-motion replays and taping microphones on coaches and players during games - something that has wide spread usage across the league today.

Here was a statement from the NFL commissioner:

"Steve Sabol was the creative genius behind the remarkable work of NFL Films. 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 received a whopping 35 Emmys during his time producing the popular NFL films series.

He partnered with his dad Ed Sabol to make the films. Ed was recently inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.

Here's what Steve said during his father's induction ceremony:

"We see the game as art as much as sport. That helped us nurture not only the game's traditions but to develop its mythology: America's Team, The Catch, The Frozen Tundra."

Today NFL games are some of the most watched programs on televisions. That would certainly not have been possible without the Sabol's efforts. They were the ones whom first used reverse angled replays and were also the first to feature music during replays.

Here's what Steve Sabol recently said:

"Today of course those techniques are so common it's hard to imagine just how radical they once were. Believe me, it wasn't always easy getting people to accept them, but I think it was worth the effort."

Well done, sir.

You had one helluva life.

[Image via AP Images.]

Tags: 69, dies, espn, nfl film, steve sabol