Neil Leifer
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Neil Leifer (b. December 28, 1942 in New York, New York)
Neil Leifer is a noted photographer for the Time family of magazines. As a boy in New York City, Leifer would gain free admission to New York Giants games by pushing the wheelchairs of handicapped patrons into the stadium. Using his free ticket and a camera, he would then position himself on the field with the photographers.
Leifer gained free admission to the 1958 NFL title game between the Giants and Baltimore Colts. This game became famous as the first overtime game in league history. Leifer, then just 15, caught several images of the game winning touchdown which he sold to Sports Illustrated.
Sports Illustrated's editors liked Leifer's work and he quickly became a boy wonder at the magazine. He had his first cover shot in 1962 at age 19.
Leifer was also known for taking risks. For the 1966 heavyweight title fight between Cleveland Williams and Muhammad Ali, Leifer placed a camera in the rafters of the Houston Astrodome in order to get a shot of the canvas when the victor knocked out his competition. His shot of Ali standing over a defeated Williams has been seen by millions. A year earlier, Leifer was one of the only two photographers with color film in his camera when Ali knocked out Sonny Liston, and his image of the moment has become not just one of his most famous photos, but one of the most memorable sports photos of all time.
Neil is also known for the help offered to photographers at new venues. His knowledge of all the major sites of events saved many a young shooter, and made his place among the not-only greats, but tops among the "good guys."
After over 150 covers for Sports Illustrated, Leifer left sports for a wider range of assignments with Time Magazine. This included a notable spread on the "Big Five" shot on safari in Africa.
In later years, Leifer gradually reduced his workload. He likes to brag that the only pictures he takes anymore are of his grandchildren, although he has been known to come out of retirement for a special cover shoot for Sports Illustrated on rare occasions.
