Each Year's Most Iconic Sports Illustrated Cover

Magazines were the main focus of American pop culture before the likes of the Internet and television, and the king of all sports magazines went and still goes by the name of Sports Illustrated.

Being on the cover of Sports Illustrated can change an athlete's life for the better or for worse because it is viewed by so many people each and every day. The magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is known for exceptional writing as well as exceptional photography that has changed the way we look at sports.

There were so many illustrious covers to choose from, but here are the greatest Sports Illustrated covers from each year of its existence.

 

All pictures were taken from http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/.

1954

Aug. 16, 1954 | Volume 1, Issue 1

This was the first cover for the illustrious Sports Illustrated magazine, and it featured baseball great Eddie Mathews of the Milwaukee Braves. 

1955

Jan. 3, 1955 | Volume 2, Issue 1

The first cover of 1955 featured Roger Bannister, who was named Sportsman of the Year after he became the first man to run a sub-four-minute mile. 

1956

June 18, 1956 | Volume 4, Issue 25

Mickey Mantle would go onto to have his best season as a pro during the 1956 season. This issue was released in early June when Mantle was ahead of Babe Ruth's historic pace of 60 home runs. 

Mantle would end up short with 52 long balls, but he did win his first MVP award. 

1957

July 8, 1957 | Volume 7, Issue 2

Stan Musial (left) and Ted Williams (right) were two of the greatest baseball players of all time, and it just so happened that they were featured on the same cover for one of the most controversial All-Star games of all time. 

This game was surrounded by controversy because the Cincinnati Reds fanbase one-sided the ballot by voting enough to elect all but one of their starting position players to the game.

Stan Musial was the only Reds starter not selected to the game. 

1958

July 7, 1958 | Volume 9, Issue 1

This cover featured eight of baseballs best, and it was the All-Star game after the controversial 1957 game. 

Commissioner Ford Frick decided to strip the fans of their voting rights, allowing the managers, players and coaches to pick the teams until 1970, when the voting again returned to the fans.

Willie Mays, Stan Musial, Ernie Banks and Del Crandall represented the National League, while Frank Malzone, Jackie Jensen, Mickey Mantle and Gus Triandos represented the American League. 

1959

Oct. 5, 1959 | Volume 11, Issue 14

The 1959 NFL season was said to be the the league's biggest season ever, because it was the year after the NFL championship that was coined "The Greatest Game Ever Played."

The Baltimore Colts were the league's hottest team after their victory in that game and they were led by superstar Johnny Unitas. This issue of Sports Illustrated proclaimed how Unitas could be the key to the NFL's success for the years to come.  

1960

Sept. 12, 1960 | Volume 13, Issue 11

This issue of Sports Illustrated proclaimed Jack Nicklaus as golf's best amateur, and it is hard to disagree.

The golfer won 29 of 30 matches against the world's best amateurs in 1959 and almost won the 1960 U.S. Open against the best professionals. Nicklaus would go on to become one of the greatest golfers of all time. 

1961

Oct. 2, 1961 | Volume 15, Issue 14

Roger Maris may have gone through more pressure than any other ball player before his time, and it was because of his pursuit for Babe Ruth's record of 60 home runs in a single season. 

This issue of Sports Illustrated documented Maris' story in his pursuit of the record, which happened to be the biggest story of the time. Maris and his family received numerous threats during what should have been a very exciting time because people believed Maris was poisoning the record books.

1962

Sept. 24, 1962 | Volume 17, Issue 13

The Mississippi Rebels color guard marched into the stadium with Confederate flags, which showed that segregation was still in full effect in the south.  

There were a number of race riots that occurred in Oxford in 1962, and they came with a number of casualties. 

1963

June 10, 1963 | Volume 18, Issue 23

Cassius Clay (aka Muhammad Ali) invaded Britain to take on one of its best in Henry Cooper.

This issue of the magazine featured Ali and Big Ben, and it was a preview for the world-class fight that Ali won in five rounds.  

1964

Jan. 20, 1964 | Volume 20, Issue 3

This was the first swimsuit issue that Sports Illustrated ever released.

Babette March was on the cover, and this issue was credited with making the bikini a legitimate piece of apparel.  

1965

July 19, 1965 | Volume 23, Issue 3

1965 was the year that Joe Namath burst onto the scene. This issue was released before the 1965 NFL season and it only sparked the fire that would become Broadway Joe.

Namath signed a $427,000 contract with the Jets that offseason, which made him the highest paid player at that time. 

1966

Oct. 31, 1966 | Volume 25, Issue 18

This cover featured Bart Starr, and it claimed he was the "star" of the dominant NFL West division.

1966 would be the first year the NFL hosted its annual "Super Bowl," and Starr ironically was the first to win it, making this cover that much more iconic. 

1967

July 3, 1967 | Volume 27, Issue 1

Roberto Clemente's picture graced this colorful cover in 1967, and with him were some of the National League's greatest hitters of all time.

The National League had won 15 of 21 All-Star games, and a big story heading into the game was which players would get chosen for the game. The reason being is that the NL had two dozen hitters hitting .300 or better, which was three times better than the AL.  

1968

Jan. 22, 1968 | Volume 28, Issue 3

This cover is exactly what Sports Illustrated is all about. It vibrantly displayed coach Vince Lombardi being hosted up by two of his players after the Packers won their second consecutive Super Bowl. 

1969

Jan. 20, 1969 | Volume 30, Issue 3

"Super Hero-Super Joe," read the pictures caption. This was the cover for Sports Illustrated after Joe Namath's victory guarantee over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III.  

1970

June 15, 1970 | Volume 32, Issue 24

Steve Prefontaine, who was only a freshman at the University of Oregon, was the best prospect in the world at two miles, three miles and 5,000 meters.

He was considered an American prodigy, and Prefontaine and his team helped start the 1970's "running boom." Prefontaine tragically died in a car accident five years later.  

1971

Nov. 22, 1971 | Volume 35, Issue 21

"Irresistible Oklahoma Meets Immovable Nebraska," a game in which many consider to be the greatest college football game of all time. 

The issue previewed the game that Nebraska ultimately won, 35-31.  

1972

Oct. 9, 1972 | Volume 37, Issue 15

This issue was released a few weeks after Joe Namath and fellow NFL superstar Johnny Unitas combined for 872 passing yards. 

Namath ripped the Colts apart for 496 yards and six touchdowns in the Jets' 44-34 victory. It was New York's first victory over the Colts since Super Bowl III. 

1973

Jan. 22, 1973 | Volume 38, Issue 3

The Dolphins were the first team to go undefeated, and this 1973 cover featured Bob Griese throwing a pass in the Super Bowl during Miami's historic 1972 season. 

1974

April 15, 1974 | Volume 40, Issue 15

Henry Aaron finished the 1973 season one home run shy of tying Babe Ruth's record of 714, and that offseason proved to be the most difficult period of his life. 

Sports Illustrated summarized the magnitude of what Aaron was about to face: 

Is this to be the year in which Aaron, at the age of thirty-nine, takes a moon walk above one of the most hallowed individual records in American sport...? Or will it be remembered as the season in which Aaron, the most dignified of athletes, was besieged with hate mail and trapped by the cobwebs and goblins that lurk in baseball's attic?

Aaron received numerous death threats, but he was able overcome the pressure and anxiety on April 8, 1974, when he hit his 715th home run in front of the largest crowd in Braves history.

1975

April 14, 1975 | Volume 42, Issue 15

Vasili Alexeyev was the world's strongest man for nearly a decade after he set 80 world records between 1970 and 1977.

Alexeyev won the world championship and European championship titles during each of those eight years, and he was the first man to total more than 600 kg in the triple event. 

1976

Nov. 22, 1976 | Volume 45, Issue 21

This issue displayed Walter Payton as one of the NFL's future stars, which is exactly what he would be. 

Payton would go onto be the NFL's all-time leading rusher with 16,726 yards, until Emmitt Smith broke the record in 2002. 

1977

June 20, 1977 | Volume 46, Issue 25

Seattle Slew took home the Tripe Crown in 1977, becoming the 10th horse to ever accomplish the feat.

Seattle Slew was also the first Triple Crown winner to finish the series undefeated as he posted a 9-of-9 record. 

1978

Feb. 13, 1978 | Volume 48, Issue 8

At a time when Arkansas basketball was at its highest, Sidney Moncrief got about as high as a person can get. Several Sports Illustrated writers have proclaimed this cover as their favorite of all time, and it's hard to argue against their view point. 

SI writer Phil Taylor said it best:

The first cover that came to mind was the one of Sidney Moncrief. The way I remembered it, he was soaring impossibly high, way above the rim, with the ball cocked behind his head. When I went back and looked at it he wasn’t nearly as high as I remember, but it still looks pretty impressive. The headline was "High on the Hogs," typical of how pun-crazy SI used to be on its covers. I’m not really sure why this one stuck with me. I guess the picture and words both seem like classic examples of the SI I remember from my teens.

1979

Jan. 8, 1979 | Volume 50, Issue 1

The Alabama Crimson Tide took on the No. 1-rated Penn State Nittany Lions for the national championship of the 1978 season. 

Both teams were evenly matched, but Penn State came into the game with a 19-game winning streak and they were led by a defense that allowed 97 points all year. Alabama ultimately took the game when it stuffed Penn State on 4th-and-goal. 

1980

March 3, 1980 | Volume 52, Issue 9

No words. Just a flag, a team and a nation coming together as one. This picture displays the greatest moment in the history of American sports. 

1981

November 23, 1981 | Volume 55, Issue 22

This would be the last Sports Illustrated cover for one of football's greatest coaches of all time. 

Paul ''Bear'' Bryant became the winningest coach in college football history just days after this cover was posted. His Alabama team won the Iron Bowl against Auburn, 28-17, giving him his 315th victory. 

1982

Jan. 18, 1982 | Volume 56, Issue 2

''The Catch." This play is one of the most recognizable in NFL history, and Sports Illustrated was right there for it.  

1983

Nov. 28, 1983 | Volume 59, Issue 23

This was the first appearance of many Sports Illustrated covers that Michael Jordan would find himself on.  

Jordan and teammate Sam Perkins were selected for the cover because they were the returning stars from a team that was fresh off a national championship. North Carolina was the preseason No.1, but the team would end up falling short of winning back-to-back titles. 

1984

July 30, 1984 | Volume 61, Issue 6

This cover wins the award for most intimidating.

It features toothless Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Lambert. 

1985

April 8, 1985 | Volume 62, Issue 14

The Villanova Wildcats made one of the most shocking runs in NCAA tournament history in 1985 when they won their only national championship in school history as an eighth-seed. 

The Cats upset the heavily favored Georgetown Hoyas, who were led by superstar Patrick Ewing. The cover shows Ed Pinckney (the tournament's MVP) scoring a basket as five Georgetown players look on. 

1986

Sept. 29, 1986 | Volume 65, Issue 14

Lawrence Taylor (left) and Mark Gastineau (right) were featured on this iconic cover. The two were the NFL's best pass-rushers and they both played in the city of New York. 

This issue talked about the history of football in New York and it proclaimed the Giants as the top dog of the city. 

1987

Aug. 10, 1987 | Volume 67, Issue 6

Mike Tyson finally ended the WBC-WBA-IBF ordeal.

The heavyweight title had been split into three parts, and it was the first time since Leon Spinks' upset over Muhammad Ali that there was just one heavyweight champion of the world. 

1988

Feb. 8, 1988 | Volume 68, Issue 6

Doug Williams became a household name in 1988. The quarterback was the first African-American quarterback to play in a Super Bowl, and he is currently the only African American quarterback to ever win a Super Bowl.

Williams was also the first player in Super Bowl history to pass for four touchdowns in one quarter and throw four in an entire half. 

1989

April 24, 1989 | Volume 70, Issue 18

Sports Illustrated called him "the best offensive line prospect ever," but Tony Mandarich is now considered one of the biggest busts in NFL history after a number of off-field issues and poor play on the field. 

1990

Sept. 24, 1990 | Volume 73, Issue 13

Notre Dame was the top-ranked team in the nation and this cover displayed a play that quarterback Rick Mirer made while guiding the Irish to a comeback victory against rival Michigan. 

This issue viewed Mirer as the next great Irish quarterback, which was hype he certainly lived up to at the college level.  

1991

Feb. 18, 1991 | Volume 74, Issue 6

The 1992 Olympics that were held in Barcelona were the first summer games that FIBA allowed professional players to participate in. 

Sports Illustrated then took the time to project the team's roster, and the five on the cover were the projected starters. 

This team would become the most dominant team in sports history. 

1992

Nov. 30, 1992 | Volume 77, Issue 23

This cover came out days after Shaquille O'Neal out-dueled superstar Patrick Ewing in the Garden. 

Shaq was a rookie sensation with his thunderous dunks and personality, and this issue really opened the world up to the young phenom. 

1993

Nov. 1, 1993 | Volume 79, Issue 18

Joe Carter hit one of the most memorable home runs in baseball history during the 1993 World Series.

His home run was only the second long ball to ever win the World Series in its 90-year history, and the first since Bill Mazeroski's in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series.  

The Blue Jays won their second consecutive World Series title in 1993, and his jog around the bases was documented on this Sports Illustrated cover.   

1994

June 27, 1994 | Volume 80, Issue 25

This cover was clearly not as provocative as Time magazine's, but it made the point that O.J. Simpson had been charged with murder.  

1995

Dec. 4, 1995 | Volume 83, Issue 24

The cover displayed former Browns owner Art Modell sucker-punching the Browns and the city of Cleveland after his controversial relocation of the team to the city of Baltimore. 

Cleveland got its team back eventually in 1999, but the city has not and will not ever forgive Modell. 

1996

Oct. 28, 1996 | Volume 85, Issue 18

Tiger Woods brought life back into a sport that hadn't witnessed a breath of fresh air in what seemed like a decade, and he became a national phenomenon because of it. 

Woods signed for more than $60 million in endorsement deals, won $750,000 in tournament money and he signed a $2.2 million book deal within the first few weeks of becoming a pro.  

This cover was just the beginning for Tiger Woods as he became one of the world's premier athletes.   

1997

June 23, 1997 | Volume 86, Issue 25

"Is the Jordan Dynasty the NBA's Best Ever?" I'll answer that question by saying yes!

The Chicago Bulls might have won eight straight NBA championships if Jordan never retired for the first time, and that potential alone makes his dynasty greater than the Celtics' magical run in the late '50s and '60s. 

1998

June 22, 1998 | Volume 88, Issue 25

This is Michael Jordan's most iconic cover.

This photo displays Jordan's game-winning shot against the Utah Jazz during Game 6 of the 1998 finals, and what a shot it was.

This photo will forever be engraved in the minds of thousands of sports fans, which is why it is so iconic. 

1998 had three of the best covers of all time, which included this one, Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa's Sportsman of the Year and John Elway's cover, titled "Sweet Redemption."

1999

July 19, 1999 | Volume 91, Issue 3

Sports Illustrated chose the entire U.S. Woman's soccer team as its 1999 Sportspeople of the Year, and this photo on the cover of the July 19 issue became one of the most iconic in the history of American sports. 

2000

Sept. 18, 2000 | Volume 93, Issue 11

Bob Knight watched his legendary tenure at Indiana slip away after he violated the school "zero-tolerance policy" after an altercation with an Indiana student. 

This policy included "any verifiable, inappropriate physical contact...with members of the university community...will be cause for...immediate termination." 

To me, this iconic cover displayed Knight as a devilish figure, which makes it one of the most memorable covers of the decade. 

2001

Sept. 24, 2001 | Volume 95, Issue 12

The unfathomable day of Sept. 11, 2001, left a huge hole in the hearts of millions of Americans, and it is a day we will never forget. 

This cover displayed an American flag on an empty stadium seat to signify that the well-being of America was more important than any sports game that could be played.   

2002

Oct. 28, 2002 | Volume 97, Issue 17

The NBA is always trying to increase its popularity globally, and the debut of a 7'6" center from China in 2002 did more for the league in that department than it could possibly ask for.

Yao Ming was graced on the NBA's 2002-2003 season preview because he was one of the most anticipated players in NBA's rich history.  

2003

Nov. 3, 2003 | Volume 99, Issue 18

The bright lights of New York City didn't shy away the young Florida Marlins in 2003 as they shocked the sports world when they upset the mighty Yankees in the World Series.

The Marlins were loaded with young talent at every position, but a fire sale due to lack of funds during the offseason prevented this team from becoming a dynasty.  

2004

May 3, 2004 | Volume 100, Issue 18

The Red Sox put up a great fight for this spot, but Pat Tillman's story is one we may never see again. 

Tillman decided to leave the NFL so he could enlist in the United States Army following the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, which is one of the most inspiring stories that you will ever come across.

Tillman was tragically killed in battle and at first the cause of death was blamed on enemy fire. The Pentagon then released a statement that ruled his death as the result of friendly fire.  

2005

Aug. 1, 2005 | Volume 103, Issue 4

Livestrong. 

That will always be the lasting legacy that Lance Armstrong will carry.

The cyclist won an amazing seven consecutive Tour de France titles, which cemented him as the greatest cyclist ever. 

2006

Jan. 7, 2006

There is so much going on in this Sports Illustrated cover that I found myself looking at it for a good 10 minutes.

Vince Young is the center piece of the cover and the colorful confetti surrounding him provides a perfect picture. This was one of the greatest games and one of the best moments in college football history.  

Young led the Texas Longhorns to their first title in 35 years over the favored Trojans of USC.  

2007

Feb. 13, 2007

Peyton Manning solidified himself among the all-time greats when he guided the Colts to a victory in Super Bowl XLI, and this commemorative issue gave a tribute to his historic career.  

2008

Feb. 11, 2008 | Volume 108, Issue 5

This cover showcases one of the greatest catches in NFL history.

David Tyree made the catch, and it is a play that people will be talking about for as long as football is breathing. 

2009

Feb. 9, 2009 | Volume 110, Issue 5

An amazing picture of an amazing catch in an amazing game. 

2010

Feb. 15, 2010 | Volume 112, Issue 7

Drew Brees and the Saints uplifted the spirits of every person living along the Gulf Coast, and this picture is just a small sample of the pride that and joy that spread across the nation with the Saints' Super Bowl victory.  

2011

Dec. 19, 2011 | Volume 115, Issue 24

Tim Tebow has been the talk of the town since making his first start of the 2011 season on Oct. 23, and I'll take a wild guess that this trend will continue.

This cover was photographed during his improbable comeback win against the Chicago Bears, in a game that will be talked about for as long as Tim Tebow's career lasts.   

What Will 2012 Have to Offer?

Al Bello/Getty Images

2012 has already been an exciting year for the sports world. 

The New York Giants won Super Bowl XLVI in dramatic fashion.  

Jeremy Lin has cultivated millions. 

Tiger Woods looks to make a big time comeback.

The Summer Olympics are only months away. 

All of these events have the potential to become 2012's most iconic moment and/or cover, but only time will tell. 

 

Follow me on Twitter @JeffSchmidt9; thanks for reading.