Photographer John Biever: Capturing Six Decades of Super Bowl History

Photographer John Biever has become synonymous with the Super Bowl, attending every championship game since its inception. This journey began with his father, Vernon, who was the team photographer for the Green Bay Packers. As a teenager, John accompanied his dad to the historic first Super Bowl, where the Packers faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1967. Now, after a career that has spanned nearly six decades, Super Bowl 60 between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks marks his retirement.

Over the years, Biever’s work has included time with NFL Properties, Sports Illustrated, and NFL Photos, allowing him to capture some of the most memorable moments in Super Bowl history. The Athletic invited the 74-year-old to share five of his favorite Super Bowl photographs, each with a unique significance in his remarkable career.

Max McGee at Super Bowl I

In one iconic image, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Max McGee is seen sprinting towards the end zone during Super Bowl I. The Packers emerged victorious over the Chiefs with a 35-10 win at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on January 15, 1967. Biever commented on the photo: “This is Max McGee scoring the first-ever touchdown in Super Bowl I. The photo also shows many empty seats in the background, something you no longer see. It acts as a bookend start to my 60-game Super Bowl streak.”

Joe Namath at Super Bowl III

Another memorable image from Biever’s collection features New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath celebrating his Super Bowl III triumph over the Baltimore Colts at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, on January 12, 1969. Days before the game, Namath famously guaranteed a Jets victory. Biever noted the significance of this picture, stating: “This was important as it was the first AFL win and set the stage for the NFL-AFL merger. It’s more an important moment than a great photo.”

John Madden at Super Bowl XI

Biever captured an emotional moment as John Madden was carried off the field after his Oakland Raiders defeated the Minnesota Vikings 32-14 in Super Bowl XI at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on January 9, 1977. “I was in the right position as the game ended. It shows the joy on John Madden’s face,” Biever shared about this photograph.

Tom Brady at Super Bowl LV

In Super Bowl LV, Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prepared to enter the field before securing a 31-9 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on February 7, 2021. Reflecting on the significance of this photo, Biever said: “I like the spotlight on Tom Brady’s face. This was also the COVID-19 Super Bowl, where photographers weren’t allowed on the field. NFL Photos got me a seat at the right spot in the end zone where the team entered.”

Patrick Mahomes at Super Bowl LVII

Finally, one of Biever’s recent photos captures Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes evading a sack during a 38-35 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on February 12, 2023. “Patrick Mahomes is scrambling and looking for Travis Kelce, who is in the foreground running right to left. I like the composition and intensity showing on Mahomes’ face. And having both Kansas City stars in the same frame is a real plus, too,” Biever explained, underscoring the mastery behind his lens.