Minnetonka, Minnesota: Dan Endy Sr., a co-founder of NFL Films, passed away peacefully at 95 from pulmonary fibrosis in his sleep.
He left the successful NFL Films to move with his family to Minnesota and became an essential Twin Cities sports community member.
Highlights
- Dan Endy Sr. co-founded NFL Films with Ed Sabol in 1962 and was its general manager till 1967.
- He passed away peacefully at 95 from pulmonary fibrosis in his sleep, surrounded by his family.
- He married Jackie and built a family filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories for their six surviving children.
Dan Endy Sr. was a remarkable figure in the world of sports, and his contributions shaped the football experience. His pro football career began with highlight films in the 1950s and ’60s.
He co-founded NFL Films with Ed Sabol in 1962 and became its general manager. They acquired rights to the Pro Bowl and planned to pursue more NFL rights.
NFL Films was an innovative company that began documenting games and helped turn generations onto NFL football. He hired a longtime news broadcaster in Philadelphia, John Facenda, to be the iconic voice of NFL Films.
Super slow-motion, mics on players and coaches, they might have done earlier, but not that much, and not with the degree of enthusiasm. Ed and Steve Sabol were great storytellers, but maybe the greatest story they never told, at least publicly, was my dad’s role in it.
Dan Edny Jr.
An unsung employee of the Vikings, he has a great history with the Vikings and the NFL, and others felt honored to work with him.
Dan Edny’s Family Mourns The Tragic Loss
Dan Endy leaves a legacy of resilience, kindness, and an enduring love for football. He grew up with a passion for sports and a strong work ethic that would define his life.
Moreover, he was renowned for his tenacity on the field and unwavering sportsmanship.
Dan Endy Sr. Made a BIG impact into everything we take for granted in highlight films today. We has 95 years old. @NFLFilms @NFL @PAOnTheMic @Vikings pic.twitter.com/KCkTQ8b53Y
— Football Film Federation (@FootballFilmFed) February 17, 2025
Dan married Jackie and had six surviving children. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who valued his family above all.
He would be sent to New York to work with the NFL but wanted to keep working in the trenches. Later, he moved to Wayzata with his family to work for Sports Film Talents Inc.
He also worked on location shooting and editing highlights for the Twins, Vikings, Gophers, North Stars, and other local sports teams. He was a part-time collecting defensive stats for the Vikings on gameday in 1972.
Moreover, the Minnesota Vikings presented him with a jersey celebrating his 50 years.
Dan Endy, Sr. Recognized For 50 Years in Vikings Press Boxhttps://t.co/xRatlM3UFe#skol #Vikings #CTP pic.twitter.com/OZy2qs3dcQ
— Climbing the Pocket (@Climb_ThePocket) December 23, 2019
His son, Dan Jr., worked as a communications project manager at U.S. Bank and usually accompanied him to Twin Cities sports events.
I can’t watch a sporting event from the stands anymore. I got spoiled.
Dan Edny Jr.
I watched from the press box, the roof, from the field. That old perch they had at Mariucci, I would sit up there while he worked the camera. My job was to make sure he didn’t get hit by a puck.
Dan Sr. had no regrets about leaving NFL Films for his family.
His wife stood by his side through every triumph and challenge, and the married couple built a family filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
His wife, Jackie, and his children, Dan Jr., Dennis, David, Debbie, Donna, and Diane, as well as nine grandchildren, survive him.
The Endy family has yet to announce his funeral arrangements and memorial services. Instead of flowers, contributions to pulmonary fibrosis research or sports charities in Minnesota might be considered, reflecting his lifelong passions.
NFL Films Founder and My Great Uncle Dan Endy Sr passed away yesterday.
Sports with Navo
Dan Endy Sr. helped start NFL Films with Ed Sabol, serving as GM until 1967 when he moved to Minneapolis.
Dan Sr. was a renowned figure, and many remembered him their heartfelt tribute.
Undoubtedly, he will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and the countless lives he touched.
His legacy extends beyond the gridiron, touching countless lives through his kindness and dedication to others. Rest In Peace, Dan Endy Sr.
Additional Information
- Dan Endy Sr. was originally from Philadelphia but moved to Minnesota in February 1969.
- He played as a defensive back for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1950s.
- He and Sabol won a bid for the NFL Championship between the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants at Yankee Stadium.
