Sam Spence, a prolific composer for NFL Films who marshaled sawing strings, rattling drums, pounding timpani, resonant horns, twittering woodwinds and blaring trumpets to create a signature soundtrack for the quasi martial enterprise known as pro football, died on Saturday, the day before the Super Bowl, in Lewisville, Tex. He was 88 and had lived for most of his adult life in Munich, Germany.
His son, Kim, who lives in Lewisville, confirmed the death.
Mr. Spence wrote themes for hundreds of highlight reels and narrative documentaries that told the stories of N.F.L. games, players and seasons.