'Rich San Francisco history': 49ers photographer marks 54 seasons behind the lens
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Michael Zagaris has spent more than half a century documenting the San Francisco 49ers, a career that began when he was a teenager sneaking into Kezar Stadium with homemade credentials and grew into an official role embedded with the team.
Zagaris said his access started early.
"Here's a picture I took at 11," he recalled, pointing to an image from his childhood.
Growing up near the College of the Pacific, he said, "This team sent 11 guys to the NFL."
By high school, he was already finding ways onto the field.
MORE: 49ers Faithful take over Melbourne as Niners dominate Rams in season opener Down Under
"I used to make my own credentials when I was in high school," he said. "I found one of these on the field. So I'd make my own every week."
His break came in 1979, when Bill Walsh took over as head coach. Zagaris approached him with a pitch.
"I said, coach, you know what I want to do? I want to cover this team as a photojournalist, and I want to cover it the way the presidency is covered by an official White House photographer."
He told Walsh he wanted full access: "I want to be on the team plane, on the team bus. I want to shoot pre-game, halftime, post game, on the bench, everything."
Since then, Zagaris has photographed generations of 49ers legends.
He remembers capturing Joe Montana and Jerry Rice "after one of the many touchdowns," and shooting Super Bowl moments.
Now 81, Zagaris is entering his 54th season with the franchise.
"I used to run the streets with these guys," he remembers.
Players today remind him of the years that have passed.
"As a couple people have told me, bro, you're older than my grandfather," Zagaris laughed.
Despite the decades, the job still brings new experiences.
When asked, "Have you been to Australia before?" he answered, "Never been."
And he has no plans to slow down. "Baby, they're going to have to tear that uniform off of me."
He remains a constant presence for fans who have followed the team through five Super Bowl wins - and for Zagaris, he's waiting for the sixth.
"You know what? You have to be ready," he said.
After 53 official seasons, Zagaris' archive has become part of the team's legacy.
"It's rich San Francisco history," he said.
And after decades documenting the 49ers, it's clear he's become part of that history too.
