Ep 6. Ed Sabol
- October 20, 2011
Ed Sabol was a man who revolutionized the way the world watches and experiences football. In the sixth episode of A Football Life season 1, titled "Ed Sabol," we get an inside look into the extraordinary life and career of the founder of NFL Films.
From humble beginnings working in his father's coat business, Ed Sabol's love for football led him down a completely different path. In 1962, he founded NFL Films, paving the way for a completely new medium of entertainment - football films.
Through interviews with family members, colleagues, and players alike, "Ed Sabol" explores the man behind the iconic voice of John Facenda and the signature slow-motion replays. The episode touches on Sabol's early years, including his service in WWII, and his eventual transition into the film industry.
Viewers get an up-close and personal glimpse into Sabol's creative vision, his unrelenting passion for the sport, and the many challenges he faced along the way. From struggling to get funding in the early years to navigating the changing landscape of technology and media, Ed Sabol's resilience and sheer determination are on full display.
"Ed Sabol" also highlights the many ways in which Sabol's work forever changed football. His use of music and slow-motion replays added a level of drama and emotion to the game that had never been seen before. In addition to capturing the highlights of each game, NFL Films also focused on the behind-the-scenes moments that make football so much more than just a sport.
The episode features interviews with football legends such as Joe Namath, Dick Butkus, and Bob Griese who describe what it was like to have their games filmed and produced by NFL Films. Many of these players credit Sabol with helping to elevate the sport to the level of cultural phenomenon that it is today.
"Ed Sabol" is a tribute to a man who inspired generations of football fans and filmmakers alike. From his early days shooting games with just a single camera to being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Ed Sabol's impact on the sport of football cannot be overstated.
Overall, "Ed Sabol" is a must-watch for anyone who loves football or is interested in the creative process behind making iconic films. This episode of A Football Life season 1 will inspire and educate viewers on the life and career of a true visionary who changed the way we experience the world's most popular sport.
