“Nobody sees the world more clearly through a viewfinder than Cornelli, and the world is better for it,” CEO of Fox Sport, Eric Shanks stated earlier. It indeed demonstrates the NFL camera operator, Don Cornelli’s credibility in his profession. He has been running sideline cameras for more than three decades.

However, Don Cornelli made all this possible with the strong backing of his wife, Karen. And, despite his ultra-demanding schedule, she has been with him at every step of the way. They both share two kids, Andrew and Sara. Impressively, the camera operator never fails to give credit to his wife and kids for their unwavering support. “If it wasn’t for them, I certainly wouldn’t be here today,” he stated earlier. It showcased his love and tight-knit bond with his family.

However, there is not enough information about his wife and kids. But, football enthusiasts cannot overlook his illustrious filming career.  Don who is best known for his work on NFL broadcasts on Fox Sports and CBS Sports left everyone in awe with his retirement update.

Don Cornelli retires after Super Bowl LIX game

As per Awful Announcing Media’s recent Tweet, it was his last game. Allegedly, he is taking retirement after shooting a Super Bowl game. Amidst his retirement news, the distinguished NFL camera operator earned immense praise during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show on Sunday.

“That’s a Hall of Famer right there…Nobody better and there might not ever be anyone better,” Awful Announcing Media mentioned in their Twitter post.  “Shooting his last game,” they mentioned further.  Nonetheless, it was truly an awful moment for every NFL fan as they witnessed the culmination of 30 years of his career of shooting NFL games.

After completing his graduation from Central Michigan, Cornelli worked as a freelancer cameraman, shooting live sports events. Impressively, his passion for sports brought him the opportunity to cover his first NFL game for CBS Sports in Minneapolis in 1986. Later, he quit his job at the local news scene in Detroit and worked as a full-time freelancer. During that time, he worked for NASCAR, college basketball, NFL, and NBA for CBS; Pistons and college basketball for ESPN.

Besides that, Suburban Detroit native, also worked for Tigers shows for PASS Sports in Detroit. Amazingly, by 1993, Cornelli began to cement himself as one of the industry’s top handheld camera operators.

Cornelli showcased his talent while shooting 33 NFC Championship games for CBS and Fox. Besides this, he also worked for 23 Super Bowls for several broadcasters. Apart from this, his contribution to the Giants’ Plaxico Burress’s game-winning TD catch to beat the undefeated Patriots in Super Bowl XLII can not be overlooked.  And, he feels grateful for his illustrious career.

“I honestly just feel lucky to be here and have been able to do something I love for so long. And to have worked with so many great people over the years has been amazing. All the credit goes to them,” he stated during the discussion with the Sports Broadcasting Hall Of Fame organization. And, now as he retires, he has left his fans teary-eyed, seeing him step away from the camera.