Menu
Stephen Walton
In the fast-paced world of the American NFL, where games can change in an instant, a single snapshot can capture the essence of an entire era. NFL photos have the unique ability to transport us back in time and evoke powerful emotions.
In this photo guide, I’m going to take you through 6 famous NFL photos that have become immortalised in the annals of American football history. From jaw-dropping catches to game-changing tackles, these images tell stories of triumph, defeat, and unyielding determination.
In the NFL, few moments are as iconic as “The Catch.” In the 1982 NFC Championship game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys, with just 58 seconds remaining on the clock, the 49ers found themselves trailing by six points. Joe Montana, the 49ers’ legendary quarterback, dropped back to pass and launched the ball towards the end zone.
Dwight Clark, the wide receiver, leaped into the air, stretching his body to its limit, and snatched the ball out of thin air, his fingertips barely grazing the pigskin. The iconic image of Clark’s gravity-defying catch, with his arms outstretched and his fingers cradling the football, instantly became an enduring symbol of the 49ers’ dynasty.
This NFL photo symbolises more than just a touchdown; it encapsulates the spirit of resilience and the pursuit of greatness. The 49ers went on to win that game and secure their first Super Bowl victory, setting the stage for a decade of dominance. “The Catch” transcends the sport itself, serving as a reminder that in football, as in life, reaching for the impossible can lead to extraordinary success.
One of the most legendary and hotly debated moments in NFL history is the “Immaculate Reception.” This miraculous play occurred during the 1972 AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders. With only 22 seconds left on the clock and the Steelers trailing by a single point, quarterback Terry Bradshaw dropped back to pass. In a frantic scramble, the ball was deflected by a Raiders defender and seemed destined to fall incomplete.
However, what happened next is the stuff of NFL legend. Franco Harris, a rookie running back, miraculously scooped the ball just inches from the turf, a feat that appeared almost impossible in real-time. The moment was captured in an NFL photo that has since become a symbol of divine intervention on the football field. Harris would go on to score a touchdown on that play, securing a dramatic victory for the Steelers.
The “Immaculate Reception” NFL photo captures the sheer chaos and excitement of the moment, with Harris extending his arms in triumph while defenders and teammates alike look on in astonishment. This photograph has taken its place in NFL folklore, representing the unpredictable and electrifying nature of the sport.
While many iconic NFL photos focus on offensive brilliance, some capture the dominance of defensive legends. One such photograph features the legendary “Fearsome Foursome” of the Los Angeles Rams. This formidable defensive line, consisting of Deacon Jones, Merlin Olsen, Lamar Lundy, and Rosey Grier, struck fear into the hearts of opposing quarterbacks during the 1960s.
In an NFL photo from that era, the Fearsome Foursome is depicted in their menacing glory, towering over a defeated opponent. This image embodies the tenacity and sheer physicality of these defensive giants.
Deacon Jones, in particular, is known for coining the term “sack” and terrorising quarterbacks with his relentless pass-rushing abilities. The photograph serves as a testament to the importance of defensive prowess in a league often dominated by flashy offensive plays.
While they may not have had the glamour of touchdown passes or record-breaking runs, the Fearsome Foursome NFL photo reminds us that defence is an integral part of the NFL’s rich tapestry, and these players were masters of their craft.
Some NFL photos capture not only moments of athleticism but also the harsh realities of playing football in extreme conditions. “The Ice Bowl,” played on December 31, 1967, between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys, is one such example. The game was aptly named due to its frigid temperatures, with the wind chill making it feel like -50°F (-46°C).
In an NFL photo from that fateful day, you can see Packers quarterback Bart Starr lunging over the goal line in a quarterback sneak to score the game-winning touchdown. His body is surrounded by a cloud of frozen breath, and the field is covered in a thick layer of snow and ice. This image captures the sheer determination and grit of the players who endured unbearable conditions to compete at the highest level.
“The Ice Bowl” NFL photo is a testament to the players’ commitment to their craft and their willingness to sacrifice comfort for victory. It serves as a reminder that in the NFL, adversity is often just another obstacle to overcome on the path to glory.
While touchdowns and catches often steal the spotlight, sometimes it’s the defensive plays that leave a lasting impact on the NFL. One such play and the accompanying NFL photo come from Super Bowl XLII in 2008 when the New York Giants faced off against the undefeated New England Patriots.
With just over a minute left in the game and the Giants clinging to a slim lead, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady launched a pass to his favourite target, Randy Moss, in the end zone. The entire season was on the line, as the Patriots were poised to complete a perfect season.
But it was not to be. Giants safety, David Tyree, leaped into the air, clutching the ball to his helmet with one hand, and miraculously, the ball did not touch the ground.
The NFL photo of Tyree’s “helmet catch” has become an enduring symbol of the underdog’s triumph over adversity. It captures the intensity of the moment and the sheer willpower it takes to secure victory on the grandest stage of them all. The Giants would go on to win the game, handing the Patriots their first loss of the season and cementing their place in NFL history.
As the NFL has evolved over the years, so too have the iconic images that define it. In recent times, the league has seen a changing of the guard, with new stars emerging and rewriting the record books. One such star is Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs.
In an NFL photo from Super Bowl LIV in 2020, Mahomes is captured in mid-throw, his eyes locked on the target as he launches a pass downfield. The vibrant colours of the stadium and the intensity in Mahomes’ eyes encapsulate the excitement and energy of the modern NFL. This image represents a new era of quarterback play, characterised by athleticism, precision, and creativity.
Mahomes’ rise to stardom and the NFL photo that captures his brilliance serve as a reminder that the league is constantly evolving, and the next generation of players is ready to carry the torch. As we look to the future, we can expect more iconic moments and photographs that will etch themselves into the history of the NFL.
In the world of professional football, where every play is a potential game-changer, NFL photos have the remarkable power to freeze these moments in time. From “The Catch” to the “Immaculate Reception,” these iconic images tell the stories of triumph, defeat, and sheer determination that define the sport.
As football enthusiasts, we can relive these historic moments through the lens of these NFL photos. They remind us of the incredible athleticism, unyielding spirit, and the enduring legacy of the National Football League.
The next time you watch an American NFL game, remember that every play has the potential to become a part of football history, captured forever in the form of an iconic photograph.
Discover TOP features in the Lightroom CC mobile app with this guide for enhancing your photo editing skills. For desktop and tablet too.
Shooting sunsets using amazing 5-in-1 magnetic lens filters from Kentfaith, the 1st choice for photo & video products.
Popular memory cards for photography – what’s the best SD card for your digital camera? Choose the right capacity and class speed in our guide
Learn the basics of photography – fast – with our FREE 60-Second Photographer online course. Each class is short and sharp with simple, actionable steps that give you immediate results.
x 30 lessons
© iPhotography™
Become a confident and competent photographer in less than 30 minutes!
Before you leave, make sure you’ve secured your FREE online photography course (worth £29.99)
Each class is just 60-seconds or less making it the fastest and easiest way to learn photography!