NFL: Super Bowl 50-Carolina Panthers vs Denver BroncosFeb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; XXXX during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium. The Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

After an incredible trip to Hawaii which was unintentionally (though not unfortunately) planned during Super Bowl week festivities, I returned just in time to cover Super Bowl 50!

As a human, I can acknowledge that this is just a game, in a league which is certainly not without faults, but as a sports photographer, I can get a little caught up in the idea that the Super Bowl is one of the largest games in America to have the opportunity to photograph.

NFL: Super Bowl 50-Carolina Panthers vs Denver BroncosFeb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Fans interact with the fan camera during the second quarter in Super Bowl 50 between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today Sports Images had a crew of 30 as editors, runners, photographers, and with the out of town staffers and freelancers that cover every Super Bowl, I am incredibly grateful that USA Today kept me, a local photographer, on the roster (as they did for World Series and NBA Finals) and for the opportunity not just to cover the game, but to experience the production involved.

The USA Today Sports Images team had set up ethernet lines, and thanks to two Canon 1D-X bodies on loan to go along with Xavier in addition to a 600mm and 400mm and a 16-35mm from Canon Professional Services, I was shooting the entire game tethered, so every image I shot, went directly to one of the on-site editors.

In a normal game, I am shooting, tagging in camera, running to a work room (or working off my lap at baseball games) to edit, caption, and transmit. Now I get to focus on just covering the game. NFL: Super Bowl 50-Carolina Panthers vs Denver BroncosFeb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

With photographers at every angle, it was neat being part of a team of coverage. While I still covered everything, even across the field, it was neat to check the website and see the different angles. It also meant that for the one offensive touchdown the Broncos were set up for, I actually felt a little nervous, knowing that from my position, I would have one of the best angles and couldn't miss the photo if it turned into an iconic moment... which it didn't.

Most people were expecting the loose and confident Cam Newton to have a showing against the steady long ball of Peyton Manning. And really neither of that happened. In an unimpressive offensive performance and an impressive defensive game, the Broncos defeated the Panthers 24-10.

The other news of course, was the performances. From Lady Gaga's star spangle banner, to the half time show with Coldplay, Beyonce and Bruno Mars. NFL: Super Bowl 50-Carolina Panthers vs Denver BroncosFeb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Recording artist Lady Gaga performs the National Anthem performs the National Anthem prior to in Super Bowl 50 between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports NFL: Super Bowl 50-Carolina Panthers vs Denver BroncosFeb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Coldplay singer Chris Martin waits before his halftime show in Super Bowl 50 between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports NFL: Super Bowl 50-Carolina Panthers vs Denver BroncosFeb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Coldplay singer Chris Martin performs during halftime between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports NFL: Super Bowl 50-Carolina Panthers vs Denver BroncosFeb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Recording artist Bruno Mars performs during halftime between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports NFL: Super Bowl 50-Carolina Panthers vs Denver BroncosFeb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Coldplay singer Chris Martin (left), recording artist Beyonce (center), and recording artist Bruno Mars performs during halftime between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports NFL: Super Bowl 50-Carolina Panthers vs Denver BroncosFeb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

This will definitely go in my memory log, not to mention resume! Thanks USA Today Sports Images for providing me the opportunity for photographer the Super Bowl!

NFL: Super Bowl 50-Carolina Panthers vs Denver BroncosFebruary 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; USA TODAY Sports staff team photo after Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports