He couldn’t run pass patterns like Shannon Sharpe. His speed in the 40 didn’t come close to Marshall Faulk or Deion Sanders nor could he fight through to pressure quarterbacks like Richard Dent, but Ed Sabol’s talent is certainly just as deserving of a place in pro football’s hall of fame.
The founder of NFL Films took chronicling of sport, any sport league, to unprecedented levels through brilliant storytelling. With such indelible images including the Ice Bowl at Lambeau Field, the toothless snarl of Steeler linebacker Jack Lambert and the darting artistry of Bears running back Gale Sayers, the former overcoat salesman with a passion for football and making home movies was voted into the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2011 over the Super Bowl weekend along with the aforementioned players as well as veteran defenders Les Richter and Chris Hanburger.
The artistic vision of Sabol and his son, Steve, have not only shaped how we view games and highlights, their impact has been felt throughout Hollywood as well. Their innovative use of montages, compelling close-ups, and slo-motion photography paired with live action and powerful music has made a significant impact on modern filmmaking.
Strong consideration for legendary NFL Films narrator John Facenda, “the voice of God”, should follow in the next Hall of Fame class.
