Steve Sabol passed away today.
So much about what I enjoy about the NFL is a result of innovations he and his dad introduced.
He is survived by his father Ed.
Steve was in line for succession after his dad retired. Did Steve have a son? Who takes over NFL Films now?
Ed actually retired from the day-to-day operations in 1995; Steve had been president of the company since then.
NFL Films is actually owned by the NFL itself, and has been for some years now.
According to Sabol’s obituary, he’s survived by his wife and a son, Casey (as well as his parents, and a sister). I have no idea if Casey has had any involvement with NFL Films.
When I google Casey Sabol, the hits focus on a musician in Los Angeles. His Facebook page says that he’s from suburban Philadelphia; as NFL Films is based in Mount Laurel, NJ (just east of Philadelphia), it could be the same person.
I say this with the utmost respect. Some of Sabol’s NFL Films products were the finest propaganda pieces since “Triumph of the Will.” His annual team highlight 30 minutes shows could make a 2-14 team seem like the Team of the Century.
RIP Mr. Sabol.
Totally agree with you there, zamboniracer. Although I’m no Raider fan, this one is a classic.
(Cue John Facenda’s baritone voice; see & listen to it here.)
***The Autumn wind is a pirate
Blustering in from sea
With a rollicking song he sweeps along
Swaggering boisterously.
His face is weatherbeaten
He wears a hooded sash
With a silver hat about his head
And a bristling black mustache
He growls as he storms the country
A villain big and bold
And the trees all shake and quiver and quake
As he robs them of their gold.
The Autumn wind is a Raider
Pillaging just for fun
He’ll knock you 'round and upside down
And laugh when he’s conquered and won.***
RIP, Steve Sabol