NEW ORLEANS, La. — David J. Phillip, a seasoned photographer based in Houston, has dedicated 32 years to The Associated Press, focusing on various fields, including robotics for the past 15 years. Recently, he captured his 30th Super Bowl moment.

Phillip’s photograph highlights a memorable celebration after the Philadelphia Eagles clinched the Super Bowl title. In the image, the players gather on stage, ecstatic as they receive the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Their outstretched hands aiming to touch the trophy, coupled with the joy radiating from their faces, encapsulates a moment of unity and celebration.

To capture this remarkable scene, Phillip used a Sony Alpha 1 camera equipped with a 600mm f/4 lens, carefully mounted on a robotic pan/tilt head located in the catwalk of the Caesars Superdome. Collaborating with fellow AP photojournalist Godfredo A. Vásquez, they installed four robotic cameras alongside seven static remote cameras throughout the venue. Arriving two weeks ahead of the Super Bowl, they faced the challenge of setting up their equipment atop the stadium—over 200 feet above the ground. The narrow walkways of this 1970s structure made transporting their gear particularly strenuous. Once their cameras were in position, they successfully connected them to a network, allowing for remote control and shooting, while images were transmitted to their computers for editing before distribution to global clients. The camera that captured this moment was strategically placed above the Eagles’ end zone, granting an ideal view from behind the stage.

The strength of Phillip’s image lies in its ability to draw the viewer’s gaze toward the center, where the players’ hands converge on the trophy. Notably, Eagles’ player A.J. Brown can be seen on the left, joyfully yelling as he reaches out, vividly illustrating the elation and excitement that erupted from winning the Super Bowl. This snapshot not only captures the essence of victory but also reflects the collective emotion of sportsmanship at its finest.