IRVING, Texas -- The death of NFL Films president Steve Sabol on Tuesday at the age of 69 from brain cancer hit the NFL hard and the Dallas Cowboys were no different.

NFL Films labeled the Cowboys “America’s Team,” a nickname that has stuck through the years even as the Super Bowls did not remain. The Cowboys are the only team to do “Hard Knocks,” produced by NFL Films, twice.

Owner and general manager Jerry Jones told NFL Network on Tuesday that part of the inspiration for the center-hung digital board at Cowboys Stadium came from Sabol’s innovations through the years.

Jones said Sabol was a “precious asset,” to the NFL.

“I really believe Steve was put on earth to do this job and be a part of what he contributed to the NFL,” Jones said. “I honestly don’t know of anyone who loved, understood or appreciated the NFL more than Steve did. He was one of the greatest storytellers of our time, not just in sports but in any part of the American society. I’ve often said that they only throw ticker-tape parades for war heroes, astronauts and people that win games or championship sports figures because they’re larger than life. Well somebody has to take the accomplishments of these people and make them larger than life. Someone had to take that moment and turn it into a legend and that’s what Steve Sabol did for the NFL better than anyone.”