“New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady yells as he warms up before a game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.”“Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning walks onto the field before a game against the New England Patriots Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.”“The New England Patriots play the Denver Broncos Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.”“New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady calls plays at the line of scrimmage during a game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.”“Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning throws a pass during a game against the New England Patriots Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.”“Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno carries the ball during a game against the New England Patriots Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.”“Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe forces a fumble as he tackles New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.”“New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady reacts as Denver Broncos players celebrate after recovering a fumble Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.”“Denver Broncos defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson reacts after the Broncos recovered a fumble during a game against the New England Patriots Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.”“A New England Patriots fan reacts during a game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.”“New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick gestures during a game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.”“New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is tackled as he drives toward the end zone during a game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.”“New England Patriots full back James Develin celebrates after the Patriots scored a touchdown against the Denver Broncos Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.”“New England Patriots players react after recovering a fumble against the Denver Broncos Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.”“New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola jumps on tight end Rob Gronkowski after Gronkowski caught a touchdown pass during a game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.”“New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady prepares to throw a pass during a game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.”“New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman dives toward the end zone as he scores a touchdown during a game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.”“New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman celebrates after scoring a touchdown during a game against the Denver BroncosSunday, November 24, 2013 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.”“Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning reacts during a game against the New England Patriots Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.”
I was lucky enough to be asked to come out and assist for Sports Illustrated during last Sunday night’s classic match up between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. The storyline was clear: two of the best quarterbacks of all time battling it out in front of a national Sunday Night Football audience on the windiest, coldest night of the year in New England.
The game lived up to all the hype, although it didn’t seem that way at the end of the first half. Peyton Manning and the Broncos came out on fire, shutting out Tom Brady and the Patriots 24-0 through the first half.
I don’t follow football to the extent that I do some other sports, but I know enough to never count out Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, and the Patriots’ ability to make adjustments mid-game. I knew they’d make things interesting in the second half, and sure enough, the Patriots came roaring back, forced the game to overtime, and won on a 31-yard field goal by Stephen Gostkowski.
What a game, not just for what happened on the field, but for the conditions we all were working in. This was the coldest weather I’ve ever experienced, and despite my endless layers of clothing, it was impossible to keep completely warm. With the wind chill, temperatures hovered around five degrees all game.
It wasn’t comfortable, and it wasn’t easy to work in, but as a photographer out there, you can’t be distracted by the conditions. That’s just part of the job sometimes.
