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Longtime photographer shares his favorite football shotsFree Access


San Francisco 49ers vs. Minnesota Vikings at Candlestick Park on Saturday, Jan. 3, 1998. The 49ers beat the Vikings 38-22. Minnesota Vikings defensive back Torrian Gray (23) attempts to stop San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens (81) from scoring a touchdown. “I received first place sports photo from Sacramento Press club for this shot of T.O.,” Golub explained.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Minnesota Vikings at Candlestick Park on Saturday, Jan. 3, 1998. The 49ers beat the Vikings 38-22. Minnesota Vikings defensive back Torrian Gray (23) attempts to stop San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens (81) from scoring a touchdown. “I received first place sports photo from Sacramento Press club for this shot of T.O.,” Golub explained.

He’s covered hundreds of National Football League games.

He’s been around some of the greatest players to ever step foot on the gridiron.

And he just so happens to live in Greeley Hill.

Al Golub, a photographer who has provided photographs to the Modesto Bee and Stockton Record over the years, continues to travel to San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders games each season to document the action on the field.

Golub has been in the industry for several decades and has a keen eye for photography. It was difficult for him to narrow it down to a few, but he shared some of his favorite photos over the years, and described each shot.

He said “to have been there” for some historic sports moments has been “thrilling.”

To see more of Golub’s work, visit algolub. photoshelter.com.

Al Golub

Al Golub

San Francisco 49ers vs. Dallas Cowboys at Candlestick Park on Sunday, Jan. 10, 1982. The 49ers beat the Cowboys 28-27 to become conference champions. SF defensive end Jim Stuckey (79) blocks Dallas Cowboy quarterback Danny White (11) from passing.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Dallas Cowboys at Candlestick Park on Sunday, Jan. 10, 1982. The 49ers beat the Cowboys 28-27 to become conference champions. SF defensive end Jim Stuckey (79) blocks Dallas Cowboy quarterback Danny White (11) from passing.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park Sunday, Nov. 19, 1989. The Packers edged the 49ers 21-17. 49er quarterback Joe Montana (16) is shown. “I just like this image because it looks like Joe is throwing the ball to me,” Golub said.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park Sunday, Nov. 19, 1989. The Packers edged the 49ers 21-17. 49er quarterback Joe Montana (16) is shown. “I just like this image because it looks like Joe is throwing the ball to me,” Golub said.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles at Candlestick Park Sunday, Nov. 29, 1992. The 49ers beat the Eagles 20-14. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice (80) celebrates a touchdown. “Jerry was great to photograph. The crowd loved him,” Golub said.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles at Candlestick Park Sunday, Nov. 29, 1992. The 49ers beat the Eagles 20-14. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice (80) celebrates a touchdown. “Jerry was great to photograph. The crowd loved him,” Golub said.

San Francisco 49ers vs. New England Patriots at Candlestick Park Sunday, Aug. 14, 1983. Preseason game. New England Patriots linebacker Tim Golden (59) tackles San Francisco 49ers running back Carl Monroe (32). “I received first place in the San Francisco Press Club contest,” Golub said.

San Francisco 49ers vs. New England Patriots at Candlestick Park Sunday, Aug. 14, 1983. Preseason game. New England Patriots linebacker Tim Golden (59) tackles San Francisco 49ers running back Carl Monroe (32). “I received first place in the San Francisco Press Club contest,” Golub said.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angles Rams at Candlestick Park Monday, Dec. 9, 1985. The Rams beat the 49ers 27-20. Los Angles Rams defensive back Nolan Cromwell (21) closes in on San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (33). “I just love to photograph Roger Craig’s eyes,” Golub said. Golub used a 180mm F2.8 lens for this shot. “We could stand a little closer in those days,” he said.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angles Rams at Candlestick Park Monday, Dec. 9, 1985. The Rams beat the 49ers 27-20. Los Angles Rams defensive back Nolan Cromwell (21) closes in on San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (33). “I just love to photograph Roger Craig’s eyes,” Golub said. Golub used a 180mm F2.8 lens for this shot. “We could stand a little closer in those days,” he said.

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Justin Smith (94) tackles Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. The 49ers defeated the Seahawks 13-6. Sports Illustrated used this shot. “I’ve got the magazine somewhere,” Golub said. “Marshawn is difficult to photograph because he has a dark shield and keeps his head down.”

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Justin Smith (94) tackles Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. The 49ers defeated the Seahawks 13-6. Sports Illustrated used this shot. “I’ve got the magazine somewhere,” Golub said. “Marshawn is difficult to photograph because he has a dark shield and keeps his head down.”

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