NFL Films' Sabol dies of brain cancer 18 (UPI) -- NFL Films President Steve Sabol died of brain cancer Tuesday, the NFL said. He was 69. "Steve was the creative genius behind NFL Films' remarkable work," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said via email to NFL personnel. Steve was an incredible visionary. He spent 50 years at the NFL and changed the way we see pro football. So when you're watching the games this week, it's worth remembering just how much Steve contributed to the way we think, see, and love our game. The NFL Players Association praised Sabol for his "lasting impact" on the league. "The players of the NFL are indebted to Steve for his immense contributions to advancing our game and helping make the fan experience as great as it is ," the NFLPA said. He was also a true friend of the players. Sabol had been diagnosed with the disease in March 2011 and died two weeks before his 70th birthday. He began his career as a cameraman alongside his father Ed, who founded the company in 1962 as Blair Motion Pictures. NFL Films is now owned by the NFL. NFL Films has won 107 Emmys. Sabol is survived by his wife Penny, a son Casey, his parents and a sister.