NFL Films founder Ed Sabol dies at 98

NEW YORK (AP) — Ed Sabol, the NFL Films founder who revolutionized sports broadcasting and transformed pro football from an up-and-coming sport to must-watch theater, has died. He was 98.

Sabol died today at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz., the league said.

Sabol was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. During his tenure at NFL Films from 1964-1995, the organization won 52 Emmy Awards.

Working with his son, Steve, Sabol introduced a series of innovations taken for granted today, from super slow-motion replays to blooper reels to sticking microphones on coaches and players. And they hired the "Voice of God," John Facenda, to read lyrical descriptions in solemn tones.

A star swimmer at Ohio State who had a brief stage career, Sabol was in the overcoat business with his father-in-law in Philadelphia before he formed Blair Productions, a film company named after his daughter.

The self-described longtime "amateur moviemaker" outbid his competitors to win the rights to chronicle the 1962 NFL championship game, changing the course of his film career and — very possibly — the league's fortunes.

Until then, the recaps of the title matchups were simply called "The Championship Game." It was a highlight reel feel.