Eagles photographer Ed Mahan retires after 55 years

In his greater than 5 a long time working for the Eagles, Mahan has seen greater than most individuals in a lifetime, and he has the tales to show it. He additionally has the images as proof, too.

In 1978, when the Eagles shocked the New York Giants by forcing a late-game fumble within the “Miracle at the Meadowlands,” Mahan was one of many solely photographers to snap an image of the play. The remainder of the photographers packed as much as develop their movie, however Mahan stood pat on the sideline, simply in case.

The subsequent yr, Mahan captured an iconic image of Murray and Pope John Paul II when he got here to Philadelphia. It wasn’t anticipated, however Mahan was prepared, and his image was featured on “Monday Night Football” the subsequent week.

But for as many nice moments as Mahan had on the sector, it was his persona and zest for all times that caught the eye of these round him.

Drew Hallowell, who met Mahan in 1996 and has labored with him for many years since, known as Mahan his mentor and mentioned probably the most influential factor he taught him did not contain a digital camera.

“The most important thing from Ed that he tells anybody that’s ever worked for him is to have fun while you’re working,” Hallowell mentioned. “If you’re not having fun, then the job can be terrible. No matter what you do, for that matter.”

Kiel Leggere, who’s the Eagles’ images director, did not spend as a lot time working with Mahan as Hallowell, however Mahan’s impression on the Eagles group is evident.

“To be able to be a team photographer for not only the Eagles, but the other teams in Philadelphia since 1970 is truly amazing,” Leggere mentioned, referring to Mahan’s work with the opposite three professional Philly sports activities groups. “I feel it speaks volumes of who he’s as an individual and the worth of his work. Just to have the ability to have someone that has finished it that lengthy is unbelievable. I like that about Ed.

“He treats everybody with the uttermost respect. He always would tell me that the most valuable thing is just to have good people on your team. … Ed has just been an awesome learning lesson for me.”

While Mahan had an important impression personally on many all through the group, his affect as a photographer cannot be ignored.

Leggere mentioned Mahan laid the muse, and Hallowell is aware of he would not be the place he’s right this moment with out Mahan.

After 55 years, it is the top of an period for Mahan, however his steerage is way from gone.

“None of the photographers really would be where we are today without Ed,” Hallowell mentioned.