John Biever Reveals His Top 5 Super Bowl Photographs
John Biever, the legendary photographer, has been synonymous with the Super Bowl throughout his extensive career. His journey began alongside his father, Vernon, who served as the team photographer for the Green Bay Packers. At just 15 years old, Biever attended the inaugural Super Bowl in 1967, and he has since witnessed every championship game. As he prepares to retire after Super Bowl 60, a remarkable legacy of capturing pivotal moments in football is coming to an end.
John Biever’s Top 5 Super Bowl Photographs
In an exclusive feature for Filmogaz.com, Biever shared five of his most cherished Super Bowl images, each representing a significant moment in NFL history. Below are his selections along with insights into their importance.
Max McGee at Super Bowl I
- Event: Super Bowl I
- Date: January 15, 1967
- Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
- Teams: Green Bay Packers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
- Significance: McGee scored the first touchdown in Super Bowl history during the Packers’ 35-10 victory.
Biever recalls the emptiness of the stadium in the background, a stark contrast to today’s packed venues. This photo marks the beginning of his incredible Super Bowl journey.
Joe Namath at Super Bowl III
- Event: Super Bowl III
- Date: January 12, 1969
- Location: Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida
- Teams: New York Jets vs. Baltimore Colts
- Significance: Namath guaranteed victory for the Jets, leading to the first AFL win in Super Bowl history.
Biever notes that while the photo may not be visually stunning, its historical significance was profound, paving the way for the NFL-AFL merger.
John Madden at Super Bowl XI
- Event: Super Bowl XI
- Date: January 9, 1977
- Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
- Teams: Oakland Raiders vs. Minnesota Vikings
- Significance: Captured the joy of Madden as he was carried off the field following the Raiders’ 32-14 victory.
This moment reflected the elation and triumph of football, showcasing Biever’s ability to capture emotion.
Tom Brady at Super Bowl LV
- Event: Super Bowl LV
- Date: February 7, 2021
- Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
- Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
- Significance: A historic game that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Biever appreciated the spotlight on Brady’s face, highlighting the unusual circumstances where photographers were restricted on the field.
Patrick Mahomes at Super Bowl LVII
- Event: Super Bowl LVII
- Date: February 12, 2023
- Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
- Teams: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles
- Significance: Mahomes’ dynamic play contributed to a thrilling 38-35 victory.
The intensity on Mahomes’ face as he scrambles for a pass exemplified the high stakes of the game, and including Travis Kelce in the shot added to its appeal.
As John Biever steps away from the lens, his photographs will remain a testament to the evolution of the Super Bowl and the unforgettable moments that shaped the NFL. For sports photography enthusiasts, Biever’s body of work has been and will continue to be an unparalleled chronicle of football history.
