FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 04/29/2020

TOP PHOTOS OF NFL REVEALED IN HALL’S 52ND ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST USA TODAY PHOTOGRAPHER WINS PHOTOGRAPH OF THE YEAR

CANTON, – USA TODAY Sports photographer Isaiah Downing is the winner of the Dave Boss Award of Excellence for his entry in the 52nd annual Pro Hall of Fame Photo Contest. His photo (pictured below), titled “Air Allen," was selected by a panel of judges as the Photograph of the Year for the 2019 season.

The image depicts Chargers wide diving for a against Broncos strong safety in the fourth quarter the Broncos’ 23-20 win in Denver on Dec. 1, 2019.

Downing, a native, is a freelance photographer who graduated from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs in 2009. He is the team photographer for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC of the USL and takes assignments through a of local, regional and national outlets, including USA TODAY Sports, where he has been since 2012. Downing has a vast portfolio, but sports photography is his passion.

The Hall of Fame’s prestigious contest is open to professional photographers on assignment to cover NFL games. Photos taken during the 2019 NFL season, which included LIV and the 2020 , were eligible.

Downing’s entry was the first-place winner in the Action category, while Patrick Smith of Getty Images was first in the Feature category. His photo, “Mud Mug,” shows guard of the 49ers covered in mud during a game against the on Oct. 20, 2019 in Landover, Md.

The judging was conducted via video conference in mid-April by a panel of prominent photo editors and photographers. The judges included John Biever (a longtime NFL photographer), Ben Liebenberg (Director of Photography/Lead Photographer, National Football League), Terrell Lloyd (49ers Sr.

September 16-19, 2020 A once-in-every- other-lifetime celebration to kick off the NFL’s next century in the city where the league was born.

Manager Photography Services), John Reid III ( Browns Gameday photographer) and Dan Szpakowski (Lead Photographer, Jets).

The winner of the Dave Boss Award of Excellence traditionally has been honored at the Enshrinee Roundtable, which is scheduled for Aug. 9 as part of the 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week Powered by Johnson Controls.

Jamir Howerton, host of the Hall’s podcast “The Mission,” interviewed Downing for the latest episode. They discussed the play during which Allen made the touchdown and Downing captured the award-winning shot.

To view all of this year’s winners and the latest episode of “The Mission,” please visit: https://www.profootballhof.com/top-photos-of-nfl-season-revealed-in-halls-52nd-annual-photo- contest/

PHOTOS: Winning images from this year’s contest can be downloaded for editorial purposes only. https://profootballhof.box.com/s/juv5584wdbj1iffnstm1y61q7frc19b3

PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME 52nd ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST (2019 SEASON) List of Winners

Dave Boss Award of Excellence, 2019 (Photo of the Year) Action Winner – Isaiah Downing – USA TODAY Sports

Action

First Place – Isaiah Downing, USA TODAY Sports, “Air Allen,” at , Dec. 1, 2019.

Second Place – Brad Mangin, , “ Crush,” Bay Packers at NFC Game, Jan. 19, 2020.

Third Place – Ric Tapia, National Football League, “Cheetah Catch,” at City Chiefs, Nov. 3, 2019.

Hon. Mention – Aaron Doster, NFL Focus, “Big Levels Touchdown,” Steelers at Bengals, Nov. 24, 2019.

Hon. Mention – Kara Durrette, Falcons, “Afterburners Activate,” at , Oct. 20, 2019.

Hon. Mention – Shawn Hubbard, Shawn Hubbard Photography, “Leaping Lamar”, at Ravens, Aug. 15, 2019.

Hon. Mention – Joey Pulone, Freelance, “Hollywood Speed, Hollywood Catch,” Titans at , Jan. 11, 2020.

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Hon. Mention – Billie Weiss, Getty Images, “Forced ,” at Patriots, Oct. 10, 2019.

Hon. Mention – Jared Wickerham, Pittsburgh City Paper, “Diving JuJu,” Seahawks at , Sept. 15, 2019.

Feature

First Place – Patrick Smith, Getty Images, “Mud Mug,” San Francisco 49ers at Washington Redskins, Oct. 20, 2019

Second Place – Shawn Hubbard, Shawn Hubbard Photography, “Rain Game Winner,” San Francisco 49ers at Baltimore Ravens, Dec. 1, 2019.

Third Place – Kiel Leggere, Eagles, “Moment of Clarity,” at Cowboys, Oct. 20, 2019.

Hon. Mention – Benjamin Green, , “Explosive,” Green Bay Packers at Kansas City Chiefs, Oct. 27, 2019.

Hon. Mention – Mary Holt, Dolphins/Icon Sportswire, “Swimming with Dolphins,” at , Nov. 17, 2019.

Hon. Mention – Kirk Irwin, freelance for Getty Images, “That Touchdown Feeling,” Miami Dolphins at , Nov. 24, 2019.

Hon. Mention – Sarah Snyder, , “Center of Attention,” Raiders at New York Jets, Nov. 24, 2019.

Hon. Mention – Matt Starkey, Cleveland Browns, “Champs,” Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl LIV, Feb. 2, 2020.

Hon. Mention – Matthew Swensen, New York Giants, “The Vet & The Rookie,” Washington Redskins at New York Giants, Sept. 29, 2019.

Hon. Mention – Karen Warren, Chronicle, “Texans Watson downed by Chiefs,” at Kansas City Chiefs, Jan. 12, 2020.

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September 16-19, 2020 A once-in-every- other-lifetime celebration to kick off the NFL’s next century in the city where the league was born.