John Biever: A Super Bowl Legacy Through the Lens

Photographer John Biever’s name is synonymous with the Super Bowl. Since its creation, Biever has been an integral part of documenting its history through photography. His journey began in 1967, at the age of 15, when he accompanied his father, Vernon Biever, who was the Green Bay Packers’ team photographer, to the first-ever Super Bowl. Held between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs, this was the start of Biever’s uninterrupted attendance at every Super Bowl.

This Sunday, the legacy continues but will come to a close as Biever captures his final game, Super Bowl 60, between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, California. After decades of service, he is retiring from the field of sports photography.

From beginning his career shadowing his father with the Packers, Biever’s journey took him through various prestigious roles, including shooting for NFL Properties and Sports Illustrated, and working with NFL Photos. Throughout his career, his lens has captured many of the sport’s defining moments on its grandest stage. When asked by The Athletic, at the age of 74, Biever shared five of his favorite Super Bowl photographs, each reflecting significant moments across his remarkable six-decade career.

Max McGee at Super Bowl I
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Max McGee sprints toward the end zone during Super Bowl I, where the Packers triumphed over the Chiefs with a 35-10 victory at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on January 15, 1967. (Photo by John Biever).

Biever: This image marks the very first touchdown ever scored in a Super Bowl, with McGee as the star. The photograph notably shows many empty seats in the background – a stark contrast to today’s packed stadiums. It’s a nostalgic beginning to my 60-game Super Bowl streak.

Joe Namath at Super Bowl III
New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath celebrates his team’s victory over the Baltimore Colts at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, on January 12, 1969. Before the game, Namath had boldly guaranteed the Jets would win. (Photo by John Biever).

Biever: This image is monumental because it captures the first American Football League (AFL) win, paving the way for the NFL-AFL merger. It’s a historically important moment rather than just a great photo.

John Madden at Super Bowl XI
John Madden is jubilantly carried off the field after the Oakland Raiders defeated the Minnesota Vikings 32-14 in Super Bowl XI at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on January 9, 1977. (Photo by John Biever).

Biever: Being in the right place as the game ended allowed me to capture the sheer joy on John Madden’s face.

Tom Brady at Super Bowl LV
Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers get ready to take the field before defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on February 7, 2021. (Photo by John Biever).

Biever: I appreciate the spotlight’s focus on Tom Brady’s face. This event was also notable as the COVID-19 Super Bowl, which restricted field access for photographers. However, NFL Photos managed to secure me an optimal seat in the end zone where the team entered.

Patrick Mahomes at Super Bowl LVII
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes skillfully evades a sack during their 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on February 12, 2023. (Photo by John Biever).

Biever: This picture captures Patrick Mahomes on the move, searching for Travis Kelce, prominently in the foreground. The composition and the intensity on Mahomes’ face stand out, particularly with both Kansas City stars in the same frame.