After battling brain cancer for 18 months, Steve Sabol, President of NFL Fims, died on Sept. 18, just weeks away from his 70th birthday.

In March of 2011 he learned he had a brain tumor that could not be removed.

Sabol took over his father Ed's company, NFL Films, in 1985, and ultimately, revolutionized how music was used with sports films.

"Steve was the creative genius behind NFL Films' remarkable work," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said on Sept. 18 in an email to NFL personnel, according to NFL.com. "Steve's passion for football was matched only by his talent and energy. He was a major contributor to the success of the NFL, a man who changed the way we looked at football and sports, and a great friend. His legacy is assured.

"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."

Sabol began his NFL Films career as a cameraman, which suited him later in his role as president; he was a visionary.

"We all realized pretty quickly that Steve was the force behind what we were doing here," the NFL Films' head of cinematography Hank McElwee head of cinematography said this year, according to NFL.com. "The pictures. Big Ed had the idea and he sold the owners on it, but when it came to the actual vision of this company, without a doubt it was Steve. Steve saw things in a unique way that every network is copying right now."

According to NFL.com, Steve Sabol won over 40 Emmy awards and oversaw 107 Emmys for NFL Films. In 2002, he was the recipient of Sporting News Sporting News "Sports Executive of the Year." In 2003, he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sabol is survived by his wife, Penny, his son Casey, his parents Audrey and Ed, and his sister Blair.