Legendary Photographer John Biever Set for Historic 60th Super Bowl Appearance
In the high-energy world of professional football, where athletes chase glory and fans ride emotional rollercoasters, one man has witnessed it all from behind the lens. John Biever, approaching his 75th birthday, is preparing to achieve what no other photographer has accomplished: attending and photographing his 60th consecutive Super Bowl. This remarkable milestone underscores a career spanning generations of NFL history.
A Family Legacy Rooted in Football Photography
The Biever family's connection to football photography runs deep. John's father, Vern Biever, began capturing images of the Green Bay Packers in 1941 while still a student at St. Norbert's College. John inherited this passion at just 14 years old, learning the craft during the Packers' dominant era in the 1960s. His early work gained national recognition when a monochrome photograph of quarterback Bart Starr, taken during the 1965 NFL championship game against the Cleveland Browns, was published in Look magazine.
Iconic Images That Define NFL History
Among Biever's extensive portfolio, two photographs hold particularly special significance:
- The Vince Lombardi Moment: This cherished image captures legendary Green Bay coach Vince Lombardi sprinting off the gridiron after a Super Bowl victory against the Kansas City Chiefs. What makes this photograph extraordinary is the inclusion of Biever's father, Vern, in the frame—a poignant representation of their shared journey through the first 35 Super Bowls together.
- The Ice Bowl Triumph: During the infamous 1967 championship game between the Dallas Cowboys and Packers, with temperatures plunging to 13 degrees below zero in Green Bay, Biever captured the game-winning touchdown. His father had been photographing Lombardi, who abruptly retreated to the locker room, leaving John to immortalize Bart Starr breaking through blockers to score. Biever considers this end-zone shot, the only photograph displayed on his wall, as his most memorable work.
Reflecting on Six Decades of Super Bowl Memories
"Coming to the 60th Super Bowl now and 'wow!' I've been very fortunate," Biever shared with journalist Greg Echlin. As he approaches his 75th birthday on February 17, Biever acknowledges that Super Bowl LX will likely be his final assignment. Yet, his enthusiasm remains undimmed. He hopes to capture one last spontaneous, unforgettable moment on the gridiron—a fitting conclusion to a career that has documented the evolution of America's most-watched sporting event.
From the hype and entertainment to the chaos and rising pulse rates of players and fans alike, John Biever's lens has framed the story of the Super Bowl for six decades. His work not only chronicles athletic achievements but also preserves the emotional tapestry of the game, ensuring that future generations can experience these historic moments through his eyes.
