OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- At the 2001 owners meetings, NFL Films founder Steve Sabol approached the Baltimore Ravens with a request that broke the biggest commandment in the super-secretive league.
Let cameras inside locker rooms, meeting rooms and the homes of players and coaches for an entire training camp. The footage would air on a weekly national television show.
Then-Ravens owner Art Modell immediately placed his stamp of approval on the opportunity, understanding the value of increased exposure for the defending Super Bowl champions. Personnel chief Ozzie Newsome wasn't supportive of the idea at first, but he also didn't fight it.