Photographer John Biever’s Six Decades Capturing Super Bowl Moments

Photographer John Biever has a deep connection with the Super Bowl, having attended every game since its inception. This includes the very first Super Bowl in 1967, where at the age of 15, Biever accompanied his father Vernon, the team photographer for the Green Bay Packers, to witness the historic match against the Kansas City Chiefs. As he prepares to retire, the matchup between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks at Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara, California, marks the end of a remarkable journey.

Biever’s extensive career, which spans decades with NFL Properties, Sports Illustrated, and NFL Photos, has allowed him to capture some of football’s most memorable moments. At the age of 74, Biever reflected on five of his cherished Super Bowl photographs, each marking a pivotal point in the event’s history.

Max McGee at Super Bowl I

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Max McGee is immortalized in Biever’s photo as he dashes towards the end zone, securing the inaugural touchdown of Super Bowl I on January 15, 1967. The image not only marks the beginning of Biever’s Super Bowl streak but also captures a striking sight—many empty seats at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a stark contrast to the filled stadiums we see today.

Joe Namath at Super Bowl III

The iconic image of New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath celebrating his team’s victory over the Baltimore Colts at the Orange Bowl in Miami on January 12, 1969, holds significant historical weight. Namath famously guaranteed a win days before the game, and this triumph marked the first AFL victory, paving the way for the NFL-AFL merger. While Biever considers it more of an impactful moment than a masterpiece photograph, its importance is undeniable.

John Madden at Super Bowl XI

Positioned perfectly as the game concluded, Biever captured the joy on John Madden’s face as he was carried off the field after his Oakland Raiders triumphed over the Minnesota Vikings 32-14 in Super Bowl XI on January 9, 1977, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The photograph is a testament to the emotion and fulfillment of Madden and his team at that moment.

Tom Brady at Super Bowl LV

Biever’s keen eye for capturing defining moments is evident in the image of Tom Brady preparing to enter the field during Super Bowl LV on February 7, 2021. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers went on to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Despite restrictions due to COVID-19, Biever secured a strategic vantage point, ensuring he captured Brady’s face illuminated dramatically under the spotlight.

Patrick Mahomes at Super Bowl LVII

In another compelling image, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is seen dodging a sack during their 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023. The photograph, taken at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, artfully showcases Mahomes in action with Travis Kelce running in the foreground, illustrating both players’ crucial roles in the high-stakes game.