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Steve Sabol
67quotes
Steve Sabol
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Steve Sabol was born as Stephen A. Sabol on April 2, 1930. He is often referred to by his initials, S.A.S.
#### Birth and Death Dates
April 2, 1930 – September 9, 2012
Nationality and Profession(s)
Steve Sabol was an American filmmaker and sports media executive. As the co-founder of NFL Films, he played a pivotal role in shaping the way sports are presented on television.
Early Life and Background
Born into a family of artists, Steve Sabol began his career as a painter before transitioning to filmmaking. His brother, Ed Sabol, would later become his business partner at NFL Films. Growing up in Philadelphia, Sabol developed an interest in football, which would eventually lead him to create films that captured the essence of the sport.
Major Accomplishments
Under Steve Sabol's creative direction, NFL Films produced thousands of hours of sports content. He is credited with inventing the " instant replay" and pioneering techniques such as slow-motion footage and innovative camera angles. His work earned numerous awards, including multiple Emmy Awards for outstanding achievement in sports broadcasting.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works include "The Games of the Xth Olympiad" (1960), which showcased Sabol's early use of innovative filmmaking techniques; "NFL Classic Games", a series of films that highlighted some of football's most iconic moments; and "America's Game: The Epic Story of How Pro Football Captured a Nation", a 2007 documentary series. These projects not only provided entertainment for fans but also humanized the sport, giving viewers a deeper appreciation for its history and significance.
Impact and Legacy
Sabol's influence on sports broadcasting cannot be overstated. His innovative storytelling techniques have set a standard for the industry. As a result of his work, the NFL became more accessible to a broader audience, paving the way for future generations of football enthusiasts. Steve Sabol was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Steve Sabol's impact on sports media extends far beyond his technical innovations. He understood that great storytelling can transcend mere entertainment, capturing the essence of a sport and its athletes. His commitment to preserving football's history through documentary filmmaking has created an enduring legacy that continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers, writers, and athletes alike.
As a testament to Sabol's lasting influence on sports broadcasting, his quotes continue to be widely referenced by those seeking insight into the art of storytelling and the importance of captivating audiences through innovative filmmaking techniques.
Quotes by Steve Sabol
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I've been very lucky in the freedom that I've been given. Every artist needs two types of freedom: You need the freedom to - the freedom to come up with an idea or treatment - and then you need the other half of the freedom, and that's freedom from - somebody saying, 'This is great. This is how I want you to do it.'
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Lombardi, a certain magic still lingers in the very name. It speaks of duels in the snow and November mud... He remains for many the heart of pro football, pumping hard right now.
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That helped us nurture not only the game’s traditions but to develop its mythology: America’s Team, The Catch, The Frozen Tundra.
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I don’t go to games as much as I used to because of the NFL’s Sunday Ticket. So I’ll watch the games, take notes.
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To me, football is very personal. Even as a kid, I looked at football in dramaturgical terms. It wasn’t the score that interested me, it was the struggle.
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My Dad hated his job. He sold overcoats, but he wanted to make movies. He had a failed career working with the Ritz Brothers – they were like the Marx Brothers, only a tier below. I always had a picture in my mind of him in a straw hat.
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When we started NFL Films, there were no focus groups, there were no demographic studies, there were no surveys. Every decision that we made, we made with our hearts, not with our heads. And, in the very beginning, we really didn’t even have a business plan.
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I have loved football as an almost mythic game since I was in the fourth grade. To me, the game wasn’t even grounded in reality. The uniform turned you into a warrior. Being on a team, the mythology of physical combat, the struggle against the elements, the narrative of the game.
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A perfect record does not mean that someone is the greatest. Rocky Marciano never lost a fight, but I never hear anyone say he’s the greatest heavyweight champion of all time.
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