Neil Leifer

Neil Leifer is an American photographer, author and filmmaker. His photography career began on his 16th birthday, when he captured the winning touchdown in the 1957 NFL title game, also known as “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” Over his 60-plus year career, Neil has captured over 15 Olympic Games, 4 FIFA World Cups, 17 Kentucky Derbies, 15 Masters golf tournaments, countless World Series games, 13 Super Bowls, and every important heavyweight boxing title fight since 1960. Additionally, Leifer has photographed many of history’s most notable figures and events, including The Royal Wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles, President Ronald and Nancy Reagan on Inauguration Day in 1981, as well as John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and Fidel Castro. He has had 170 pictures published on the cover of Sports Illustrated, the most coveted space in sports media.

Perhaps best known for having documented his favorite subject, Muhammad Ali, Leifer captured photos of the up-and-coming boxer – then named Cassius Clay – through his rise to superstardom. In 2014, Leifer became the only photographer to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Leifer has published 18 books, four of which are already considered classics by many sports enthusiasts. He is now a full-time filmmaker, and has produced and/or directed two feature films, five documentaries and eight short live-action films.