Bookstore Glossary Library Links News Publications Timeline Virtual Israel Experience
Anti-Semitism Biography History Holocaust Israel Israel Education Myths & Facts Politics Religion Travel US & Israel Vital Stats Women
donate subscribe Contact About Home

Ed Sabol

(1916 - )

Chosen for the 1936 Olympics team, Sabol declined to participate in the Games by publicly saying that he would not swim in a pool built by Adolf Hitler.

In 1938, Sabol was named All-America in the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle while attending Ohio State. That year, he was also a member of the 440-yard freestyle relay team that won the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) indoor championship. A member of the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in the media section, Sabol is the founder of NFL Films, Inc. with son Steve.

A men's clothing salesman, Ed created Blair Motor Pictures (named for his daughter) in 1962 and successfully petitioned the NFL to film the championship game that year. The film, entitled Pro Football's Longest Day was so successful that Sabol was given the rights to the following two NFL Championships Games. In 1964, Sabol convinced the league they needed its own film entity to promote the league and NFL Films was born; they have won 65 television emmy awards.


Sources: Jews in Sports