NFL Films Founder Ed Sabol Dies at Age 98

Ed Sabol, who co-founded NFL Films and completely revolutionized the way fans watch sports, has died at the age of 98. 

NFL.com revealed the news, reporting that the legendary American filmmaker passed away in his home in Scottsdale, Arizona.    

A truly innovative mind, Sabol helped found Blair Motion Pictures in 1962, which later became NFL Films. He spent over three decades with NFL Films, officially retiring in 1995, and he will long be remembered for his role in transforming the NFL into America's most popular professional sports league.

The NFL shared this video clip of Sabol from the 1962 NFL Championship Game:

The NFL's Twitter account provided a link to the final film of Sabol's career: 

Sabol's son, Steve Sabol, took over as head of NFL Films in 1985 and remained in that position until his untimely death in 2012 at the age of 69.   

Sportsnet.ca's Arash Madani discussed a fraction of the impact Sabol had on today's game: 

Multiple NFL teams took a moment to pay their respect to the legend:

"

Thank you, Ed Sabol, for helping the Raiders tell their story through @NFLFilms. You will be missed.

— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) February 9, 2015"

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson also offered his condolences: 

An inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011, Sabol provided fans with riveting, behind-the-scenes looks at the inner workings of the NFL and its games.

He may be gone, but his imprint on the sport will be felt forever.