"NFL Films" Founder Steve Sabol Dead At 69 (PHOTOS)

Sadly, NFL Films founder Steve Sabol passed away this morning after a battle with brain cancer. He was 69.

TMZ reports:

Steve had suffered a seizure in March 2011. Doctors discovered an unremovable tumor in his brain ... and he had been receiving treatment ever since. 

Sabol co-founded NFL Films in 1962 in New Jersey with his father, Ed Sabol ... and together they revolutionized the way football fans watched the game ... with slow dramatic montages, compelling music and candid player soundbites from the field and the sidelines. 

Under Steve's leadership, NFL Films produced several iconic shows ... including, "Hard Knocks," "NFL Films Presents" and "Football Follies."

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement on Sabol's death ... saying, "Steve’s passion for football was matched by his incredible talent and energy. Steve’s legacy will be part of the NFL forever. He was a major contributor to the success of the NFL, a man who changed the way we look at football and sports, and a great friend.”

We send our thoughts and prayers to his friends and family at this time.

SOURCE: TMZ