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In celebration of the 2026 NFL Draft hosted in Pittsburgh, this exhibition offers glimpse into the world of professional football through the lens of legendary sports and rock and roll photographer, Michael Zagaris. Selected from Zagaris’ rarely seen archive, the photographs in this exhibition offer an intimate glimpse into the culture and history of the NFL, on and off the field. Zagaris' unique access to the inner workings of the NFL is exemplified by his 49-season tenure as the San Francisco 49ers' team photographer, a role he continues to hold today.  Over his illustrious 60-year career, Zagaris has had unparallelled access to the players and his extensive portfolio includes coverage of 42 Super Bowls, 12 World Series, and 14 MLB All-Star Games. His photographs transcend traditional game-day shots, capturing fleeting moments that define the sport’s culture  highlighting his ability to capture the moments that make football more than just a game. 

Michael Zagaris is a renowned sports and rock and roll photographer whose career spans over six decades. He has photographed 42 Super Bowls, 12 World Series, and 14 MLB All-Star Games, earning three Super Bowl rings and one World Series ring. Beyond his sports photography, Zagaris has documented the vibrant music scene, capturing legends such as Eric Clapton, The Who, and the Grateful Dead. His work has appeared in major publications including Sports Illustrated, Rolling Stone, and Time Magazine. 

Michael Zagaris: 60 Years of NFL Photography is curated by Anastasia James and presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

Image: Michael Zagaris,  Lynn Swann #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a pass from Terry Bradshaw #12 for a touchdown during the 1974 AFC Championship game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on December 29, 1974 in Oakland, California. The Steelers defeated the Raiders 24-13. Image courtesy and copyright Michael Zagaris.