Vernon Biever
Inducted: 2002
Team Photographer: 1946-2007
A nationally acclaimed, award-winning photographer, Biever shot Packers games for more than 60 years. He started as a student at St. Norbert College, shooting his first game on Sept. 28, 1941, at old City Stadium, and photographed his last game on Dec. 9, 2007, at Lambeau Field. His keen eye captured countless magical moments in Packers history, from Curly Lambeau's reign as coach, through the glory years of Vince Lombardi and over Brett Favre's 16-year ironman streak as quarterback. Biever's photos appeared in hundreds of books, magazines and newspapers. His many awards included a first-place finish in the Pro Football Hall of Fame photo contest in 1984 that conferred upon him the distinction of being the NFL Photographer of the Year. He covered the first 35 Super Bowls.
"When I think of Vernon Biever, I think of a man who captured the most romantic football dynasty in NFL history," said Steve Sabol, former president of NFL Films.
Biever enrolled at St. Norbert College in the fall of 1941 and shot Packers games that season on a freelance basis for the Milwaukee Sentinel. He enlisted in the Army in 1942 and served through World War II before he resumed shooting Packers games in 1946 for the team. But photography was merely his avocation; he also was a successful business owner.
Born May 21, 1923, in Port Washington, Wis. Given name Vernon Joseph Biever. Died Oct. 13, 2010, at age 87.
- By Cliff Christl
