CANTON, Ohio, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Ed Sabol enters the Pro Football Hall of Fame having never played a down, but his work as founder of NFL Films is familiar to millions of U.S. fans.
Sabol, 94, is credited with bringing an up-close look at the hard-hitting action on the field to generations of NFL fans and is one of seven members of the 2011 inductees who were formally enshrined Saturday.
"He is a legend," fellow inductee Dion Sanders said. "To this day, NFL Films plays a major role in shaping our thought process of the game of football, and allowing you to get a closer glimpse of each player and team, coaches."
Sabol is represented in Canton this weekend by his son Steve Sabol, the current president of NFL Films.
The elder Sabol is credited with such innovations as fitting players with microphones to pick up the noisy chaos of the games and shooting picturesque runs and bone-jarring tackles in slow motion.
Hall of Famer Jack Youngblood told the Los Angeles Times that NFL Films crews could be a nuisance during his playing days with the Rams, but they have now become part of the fabric of the games.
"What a contribution," Youngblood said. "What a vision."
