Ed Sabol facts for kids

Edwin Milton Sabol (born September 11, 1916 – died February 9, 2015) was an American filmmaker. He is best known for starting NFL Films with his son, Steve Sabol. Ed Sabol was honored for his amazing work by being chosen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Early Life and Amazing Sports Skills

Ed Sabol was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1916. He grew up in Blairstown, New Jersey. When he was a student at Blair Academy, Ed was a fantastic athlete. He was especially good at swimming. He even set a world record for high school swimmers in the 100-yard freestyle race!

Ed continued his swimming career at Ohio State University. He was so good that he was picked to join the 1936 Olympic team. However, he decided not to go because the games were held in Nazi Germany. After serving in World War II, he started a new path.

Creating NFL Films

In 1962, Ed Sabol started his own company called Blair Motion Pictures. His company got a big job to film the NFL Championship Game, 1962 that year. This exciting game was between the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers. It took place at Yankee Stadium in New York.

Just two years later, in 1964, Blair Motion Pictures became NFL Films. This new company got a special deal to film and save all NFL games. Ed's son, Steve Sabol, once said that almost nothing else has been filmed as completely as the National Football League. This shows how much detail and effort NFL Films put into their work.

Ed Sabol officially retired from NFL Films in 1995. He had been the company's President and chairman. In 1996, he was also honored by being chosen for the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

On February 5, 2011, Ed Sabol received another huge honor. He was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. This was a big moment for his legacy in sports filmmaking.

Later Life and Passing

Ed Sabol passed away on February 9, 2015. He was at his home in Arizona.

Awards and Special Honors

Ed Sabol and NFL Films received many awards for their incredible work. Here are some of the most important ones:

• 1935: Set a World Interscholastic Record in 100-yard freestyle swimming.
• 1937: Won the Big Ten championship in 400-yard freestyle relay swimming.
• 1937: Won the National AAU championship in 400-yard freestyle relay swimming.
• NFL Films won 91 Emmy Awards for their excellent productions.
• 1987: Received the Bert Bell Memorial Award from the NFL.
• 1991: Honored with the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award from the NFL.
• 1996: Inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
• 2003: Received a Lifetime Achievement Emmy for his career.
• 2011: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.