100 Epic Sports Pictures

1 of 103

Image via Getty

Long before cameras captured the slide into home plate, or the towel draping the head of a quarterback who came up short, sports captivated mankind.

Me versus you. Us versus them. There is nothing more elementally human than the internal fire of competition. If there is any way to gauge a winner or loser in even the most mundane of activities, we will find a way to turn it into a contest.

So, the passion that drives us to sports—the drama that makes the narrative compelling—we are certainly not lacking in motivation to watch or participate. And, this is why the captured image...the photograph (and all its incarnations) takes the thrill of the game to level beyond our faculties.

From the moment a film of silver chloride first took light and transformed it into the duplication of a moment in time, photography became synonymous with sports.

Imagine if the only eyes to witness overtime belonged to those in the stands—photos share the experiences that become the root of legends.

In short: photography gives life to the those moments—subtle and celebrated—that make sports amazing.

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100. J.J. Watt

Date: December 2012
Location: Houston, Texas
Image Credit: Scott Halleran/Getty Images North America

NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans enters the home-field turf prior to a late-season game against the Minnesota Vikings.

99. Ray Lewis

Date: September 2012
Location: Baltimore, Md.
Image Credit: Patrick Smith/Getty Images North America

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis takes the field at M&T Bank Stadium during player introductions prior to a game against the New England Patriots.

98. Duke Basketball

Date: February 2013
Location: Durham, N.C.
Image Credit: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images North America

Duke University's Mason Plumlee dunks during a game against North Carolina State.

97. World Ski Championships

Date: February 2013
Location: Val di Fiemme, Italy
Image Credit: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe

Slovenia's Ursa Bogtaj competes during the trial round of the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships.

96. Daytona 500

Date: February 2013
Location: Daytona Beach, Fla.
Image Credit: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images North America

NASCAR driver Trevor Bayne waits with an unidentified woman before competing in the Sprint Series DRIVE4COPD 300, in the days leading up to the Daytona 500.

95. David Ortiz

Date: August 2011
Location: Arlington, Texas
Image Credit: Tom Pennington/Getty Images North America

Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz returns to the dugout after striking out against the Texas Rangers in the summer of 2011.

94. Super Rugby

Date: February 2013
Location: Dunedin, New Zealand
Image Credit: Teaukura Moetaua/Getty Images

Ben Afeaki of the Chiefs is tackled during a Super Rugby match against the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

93. NRL Charity Shield

Date: February 2013
Location: Sydney, Australia
Image Credit: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

St. George Illawarra Dragons' Tyson Frizell is tackled during the NRL Charity Shield match against South Sydney Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium.

92. New York Islanders Ice Crew

Location: Long Island, N.Y.
Image Credit: Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images

The New York Islanders ice crew entertains the crowd.

91. Tyson Chandler

Date: December 2012
Location: New York, NY
Image Credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America

The New York Knicks' Tyson Chandler plays some deadly serious defense in a game against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden.

90. Marc-Andre Fleury

Date: November 2010
Location: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Image Credit: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images North America

Pittsburgh Penguins goalkeeper Marc-Andre Fleury looks on before the start of play against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

89. Derek Jeter

Date: October 2010
Location: New York, NY
Image Credit: Getty Images North America

New York Yankees' Derek Jeter warms up prior to a game at Yankee Stadium.

88. Larry Fitzgerald

Date: December 2011
Location: Glendale, Ariz.
Image Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America

Arizona Cardinals superstar wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald stretches out to complete a catch during a game against the Detroit Lions.

87. London Olympics

Date: July 2012
Location: London
Image Credit: Adam Pretty/Getty Images Europe

China's men's synchronized diving team during a training session in the days leading up to the 2012 London Olympics.

86. Richard Sherman

Date: December 2012
Location: Seattle, Wash.
Image Credit: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images North America

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman celebrating as he leaves the field after defeating the St. Louis Rams in a cold December game.

85. Mario Balotelli

Date: June 2012
Location: Kiev, Ukraine
Image Credit: Martin Rose/Getty Images Europe

A dejected Mario Balotelli in Italy's UEFA Euro 2012 final against Spain.

84. Cristiano Ronaldo

Date: April 2012
Location: Madrid, Spain
Image Credit: Denis Doyle/Getty Images Europe

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates a score against Real Sporting de Gijon.

83. Prince Fielder & Miguel Cabrera

Date: October 2012
Location: Detroit
Image Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America

Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers warm up prior to Game 4 of the World Series against the San Francisco Giants.

82. Pond House

Date: February 2013
Location: Somerset, United Kingdom
Image Credit: Getty Images Europe

Bobby Bolero is led to the stables during a visit to Pond House.

81. Alex Ovechkin

Date: February 2009
Location: Newark, N.J.
Image Credit: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America

Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin during pregame warmups at the Prudential Center prior to a game against the New Jersey Devils.

80. Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders

Date: October 2011
Location: Indianapolis
Image Credit: Getty Images

The Indianapolis Colts cheerleaders perform at halftime during a home game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

79. Billabong Pro

Date: May 2005
Location: Tahiti, French Polynesia
Image Credit: Handout/Getty Images

Surfer Andy Irons competes in the Billabong Pro Tahiti, WTC.

78. LSU Football

Date: November 2012
Location: Fayetteville, Ark.
Image Credit: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images North America

LSU head coach Les Miles and his Tigers sing the university fight song after defeating the University of Arkansas on their own turf.

77. London Olympics

Date: July 2012
Location: London
Image Credit: Paul Gilham/Getty Images Europe

American Olympian Jennifer Nichols practices archery in the days leading up to the 2012 Games in London.

76. Bakaye Traore

Date: February 2013
Location: Milan, Italy
Image Credit: Claudio Villa/Getty Images Europe

AC Milan's Bakaye Traore heads the ball during a UEFA Champions League match against Barcelona at San Siro Stadium.

75. Henrik Zetterberg

Date: January 2013
Location: Detroit
Image Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images North America

Detroit Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg takes the ice for the first time as a captain in front of the home crowd before a game against the Dallas Stars at the Joe Louis Arena.

74. David Beckham

Date: March 2010
Location: Manchester, England
Image Credit: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe

Former AC Milan forward David Beckham walks out before the UEFA Champions League First Knockout Round, second leg match between Manchester United.

73. London Olympics

Date: August 2012
Location: London
Image Credit: Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe

Italian track and field athlete Daniele Greco competes in the men's triple jump final on one of the last days of the 2012 Olympics in London.

72. BCS Championship: January 2013

Date: January 2013
Location: Miami, Fla.
Image Credit: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images North America

The University of Alabama mascot celebrates with the cheerleaders on the field after the Crimson Tide rolled over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the BCS Championship.

71. Katie Uhlaender

Date: February 2013
Location: Sochi, Russia
Image Credit: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Europe

American Katie Uhlaender launches herself down the track during the Women's Skeleton Viessman FIBT Bob & Skeleton World Cup.

70. Alex Smith & Colin Kaepernick

Date: November 2012
Location: New Orleans, La.
Image Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images North America

San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick lead their team onto the field to face the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Divisional playoffs at Candlestick Park.

69. Rory McIlroy & Tiger Woods

Date: October 2012
Location: Antalya, Turkey
Image Credit: Warren Little/Getty Images Europe

PGA rivals Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods are all smiles as they chat on the course during the Turkish Airlines World Golf Final at the Antalya GC.

68. Andrew Luck & Robert Griffin III

Date: August 2012
Location: Landover, Md.
Image Credit: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images North America

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck and Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III meet at midfield after their first meeting in the NFL, a preseason game at FedEx Field.

67. Usain Bolt

Date: August 2012
Location: London
Image Credit: Harry How/Getty Images Europe

Jamaican sprint athlete Usain Bolt celebrates on he track after winning the gold medal in the men's 200-meter final on one of the last days of the 2012 Olympics in London.

66. Tiger Woods

Date: October 2012
Location: Antalya, Turkey
Image Credit: Warren Little/Getty Images Europe

PGA gofer Tiger Woods tees off at the Turkish Airlines World Golf Final at the Antalya GC.

65. Drew Brees

Date: February 2010
Location: Miami, Fla.
Image Credit: Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees clutches the Lombardi Trophy for the first time after defeating the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV.

64. Ray Lewis

Date: February 2013
Location: Baltimore, Md.
Image Credit: Patrick Smith/Getty Images North America

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis celebrates the team's victory in Super Bowl XLVII, kissing the Lombardi Trophy at the team's victory parade in Baltimore.

63. Andrew McCutchen

Date: June 2011
Location: Houston
Image Credit: Bob Levey/Getty Images North America

Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen makes a sliding catch against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park.

62. Daytona 500

Date: February 2013
Location: Daytona Beach, Fla.
Image Credit: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images North America

The sun sets on NASCAR drivers as they run practice laps at the Daytona International Speedway in the days prior to the Daytona 500.

61. London Olympics

Date: July 2012
Location: London
Image Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images Europe

The sun sets on the Olympic rings in Olympic Park during the 2012 Games in London.

60. New Zealand Rowing Championship

Date: February 2013
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Image Credit: Hannah Johnston/Getty Images

A cyclist rides down the rowing course during the New Zealand Rowing Championships at Lake Ruataniwha.

59. Dubai Desert Classic

Date: February 2008
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Image Credit: Andrew Redington/Getty Images

PGA golfer Jamie Donaldson tees off at dawn during the second round of the Dubai Desert Classic.

58. Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Location: Dallas, TX
Image Credit: Tom Pennington/Getty Images

The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders entertain the home crowd at Texas Stadium.

57. Henrik Lundqvist

Date: April 2009
Location: New York City
Image Credit: Len Redkoles/Getty Images North America

New York Rangers goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist steps out onto the ice to play the Washington Capitals in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals in 2009.

56. Henrik Lundqvist

Date: May 2012
Location: New York City
Image Credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America

New York Rangers goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist in net during a game against the New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2012.

55. Aviva Premiership

Date: February 2013
Location: Worcester, England
Image Credit: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images Europe

Worcester Warriors' Errie Claassens is caught by Northampton Saints' George Pisi during an Aviva Premiership match at Sixways Stadium.

54. Premier League

Date: May 2012
Location: Manchester, England
Image Credit: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe

Queens Park Rangers' Joey Barton clashes with Manchester City's Carlos Tevez during a match at Etihad Stadium.

53. Albert Pujols

Date: October 2011
Location: Arlington, Texas
Image Credit: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America

Former St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols inspects his bat at the plate during Game 4 of the World Series against the Texas Rangers in 2011.

52. Ray Lewis

Date: February 2013
Location: New Orleans, La.
Image Credit: Patrick Smith/Getty Images North America

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis cries on the way to the locker room after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.

51. Hines Ward

Date: October 2009
Location: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Image Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images North America

Retired Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward flashes his trademark grin on the sideline during a game against the San Diego Chargers.

50. Lindsey Vonn

Date: December 2010
Location: Alberta, Canada
Image Credit: Alexis Boichard/Agence Zoom/Getty Images Europe

American Olympic alpine skier Lindsey Vonn competing at the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in 2010.

49. Lindsey Vonn

Date: November 2011
Location: Tarvisio, Italy
Image Credit: Getty Images Europe

American Olympic alpine skier Lindsey Vonn competing at the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, where she won a silver medal.

48. Lindsey Vonn

Date: February 2010
Location: Whistler, Canada
Image Credit: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images North America

American Olympic alpine skier Lindsey Vonn celebrating her bronze medal in the Super-G at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

47. Peyton Manning

Date: March 2012
Location: Denver, Colo.
Image Credit: Joey Foley/Getty Images North America

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning conducts his first press conference after being released by the Indianapolis Colts weeks prior and signing with the team as a free agent.

46. Cole Hamels

Date: December 2008
Location: Los Angeles

Image Credit: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images North America

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels pitches Game 5 of the 2008 NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

45. James Harden

Date: February 2013
Location: Houston
Image Credit: Scott Halleran/Getty Images North America

Houston Rockets' James Harden reacts to a replay on the court during a game against his former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

44. Derrick Rose

Date: May 2011
Location: Chicago
Image Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images North America

Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose stares from the bench prior to facing off with the Miami Heat in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals in 2011.

43. JaVale McGee

Date: May 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Image Credit: Harry How/Getty Images North America

JaVale McGee reacts to Denver Nuggets teammate Danilo Gallinari during Game 7 against the Los Angeles Lakers during the Western Conference Finals in 2012.

42. London Olympics

Date: August 2012
Location: London
Image Credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe

American track and field athlete Will Claye competes in the men's triple jump on the final day of the 2012 Olympics in London.

41. Tyson Chandler

Date: December 2012
Location: New York City
Image Credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America

The New York Knicks' Tyson Chandler engages in some acrobatic stretching prior to a game against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden.

40. London Olympics: Tower Bridge

Date: August 2013
Location: London
Image Credit: Getty Images Europe

The Tower Bridge in London is pictured at various times throughout the 2012 Olympics.

39. London Olympics: Tower Bridge

Date: August 2013
Location: London
Image Credit: Getty Images Europe

The Tower Bridge in London is pictured at various times throughout the 2012 Olympics.

38. London Olympics: Tower Bridge

Date: August 2013
Location: London
Image Credit: Getty Images Europe

The Tower Bridge in London is pictured at various times throughout the 2012 Olympics.

37. Chicago Bulls

Date: May 2011
Location: Chicago
Image Credit: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America

The Chicago Bulls celebrate late in the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat during Game 1 of the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals.

36. Cam Newton

Date: October 2011
Location: Charlotte, N.C.
Image Credit: Scott Halleran/Getty Images North America

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton strikes his trademark Superman pose during player introductions prior to a game against the Washington Redskins.

36. McKayla Maroney

Date: July 2012
Location: San Jose, Calif.
Image Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America

American gymnast McKayla Maroney practices on the beam, prior to the start of competition at the Olympic trials. Multiple exposures were combined to produce the image.

35. Kobe vs. LeBron: NBA All-Star Game 2013

Date: February 2013
Location: Houston
Image Credit: Getty Images

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and Miami Heat superstar LeBron James are pictured going head to head during the 2013 NBA All-Star game.

34. Kobe vs. LeBron: NBA All-Star Game 2013

Date: February 2013
Location: Houston
Image Credit: Getty Images

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and Miami Heat superstar LeBron James are pictured going head to head during the 2013 NBA All-Star game.

33. Kobe vs. LeBron: NBA All-Star Game 2013

Date: February 2013
Location: Houston
Image Credit: Getty Images

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and Miami Heat superstar LeBron James are pictured going head to head during the 2013 NBA All-Star game.

32. Adrian Peterson

Date: December 2012
Location: Minneapolis
Image Credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson runs the ball against the Chicago Bears during a late-season home game.

31. Chicago Bulls Dancers

Location: Chicago
Image Credit: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The Chicago Bulls cheerleaders entertain the crowd at a home game.

30. Bruins Stanley Cup 2011

Date: June 2011
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Image Credit: Getty Images

Boston Bruins Zdeno Chara and Shane Hnidy are pictured in the moments after defeating the Vancouver Canucks in the Stanley Cup Finals in seven games.

29. Boston Bruins Stanley Cup 2011

Date: June 2011
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Image Credit: Getty Images

Boston Bruins Zdeno Chara and Shane Hnidy are pictured in the moments after defeating the Vancouver Canucks in the Stanley Cup Finals in seven games.

28. Boston Bruins Stanley Cup 2011

Date: June 2011
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Image Credit: Getty Images

Boston Bruins Zdeno Chara and Shane Hnidy are pictured in the moments after defeating the Vancouver Canucks in the Stanley Cup Finals in seven games.

27. 2013 NFL Combine

Date: February 2013
Location: Indianapolis
Image Credit: Joe Robbins/Getty Images North America

North Carolina prospect Giovani Bernard prepares to run the 40-yard dash at the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

26. London Olympics

Date: August 2012
Location: London
Image Credit: Hassenstein/Getty Images Europe

American track and field athlete Christian Taylor competes in the men's triple jump final on one of the last days of the 2012 Olympics in London.

25. Derek Jeter

Date: July 2010
Location: New York City
Image Credit: Mike Stobe/Getty Images North America

New York Yankees captain leaps up in an effort to avoid the slide of the Houston Astros' Tommy Manzella.

24. Cristiano Ronaldo

Date: January 2012
Location: Madrid, Spain
Image Credit: Denis Doyle/Getty Images Europe

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo during a match against Athletic Bilbao.

23. Mario Balotelli

Date: October 2012
Location: Manchester, England
Image Credit: Getty Images/Europe

Former Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli leaps over Swansea City's Wayne Routledge during a Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium.

22. Manti Te'o

Date: January 2013
Location: Miami, Fla.
Image Credit: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images North America

Former Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o looks to be in deep thought as he exits the field at halftime of a blowout loss to the University of Alabama in the BCS Championship game.

21. KTA Bintan

Date: February 2013
Location: Bintan Island, Indonesia
Image Credit: Xaume Olleros/Getty Image

Turkish kite surfer Taner Aykurt catches some air during the first-ever KTA Bintan competition in Indonesia.

20. LeBron James

Date: January 2008
Location: Portland, Ore.
Image Credit: Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images North America

NBA superstar LeBron James, formerly of the Cleveland Cavaliers, performs his talcum powder ritual prior to a game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

19. London Olympics

Date: August 2012
Location: London
Image Credit: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Track and field athlete Nadiya Dusanova of Uzbekistan competes in the women's high-jump qualifying round during the 2012 Olympics in London.

18. Daytona 500

Date: February 2013
Location: Daytona Beach, Fla.
Image Credit: Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images North America

Miller Lite Ford driver Brad Keselowski exits his car after qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500.

17. Russell Westbrook

Date: June 2012
Location: Oklahoma City, Okla.
Image Credit: Brett Deering/Getty Images North America

Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook yells on his back after getting fouled during a game against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Western Conference Finals.

16. Super Bowl XLVII

Date: February 2013
Location: New Orleans, La.
Image Credit: Jamie Squire/Getty Images North America

San Francisco 49ers Perrish Cox takes a knee on the field after being defeated by the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII.

15. Super Bowl XLVII

Date: February 2013
Location: New Orleans, La.
Image Credit: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America

The Baltimore Ravens' Morgan Cox celebrates in the confetti on the field after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.

14. 2012 U.S. Open

Date: June 2012
Location: Daly City, Calif.
Image Credit: Andrew Redington/Getty Images North America

Tiger Woods and Cameron Wilson walk through a practice round prior to the start of the U.S. Open.

13. Cole Hamels

Date: October 2010
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Image Credit: Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels celebrates with champagne after pitching a complete game shut-out, sweeping the Cincinnati Reds in the NLDS.

12. Nastia Liukin

Date: August 2008
Location: Beijing, China
Image Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images

American gymnast Nastia Liukin is pictured as she competes on the balance beam during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

11. Lionel Messi

Date: February 2013
Location: Granada, Spain
Image Credit: David Ramos/Getty Images Europe

FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi attempts a dramatic shot during a match against Granada CF.

10. NZ Rowing Championship

Date: February 2013
Location: Twizel, New Zealand
Image Credit: Hannah Johnston/Getty Image

Men's rowers compete in a heat during the New Zealand Rowing Championships at Lake Ruataniwha.

9. Tom Brady

Date: January 2013
Location: Foxboro, Mass.
Image Credit: Elsa/Getty Images North America

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady collects his bearings after being knocked to the ground by the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Championship game.