17 of the coolest sports photos of 2021 Remember when Phil Mickelson became the oldest major championship winner in history at the age of 50? No description found
It was quite a year in the sports world, was it not?
Fans were able to return to most stadiums after a strange 2020 due to the pandemic, the Tokyo Olympics finally took place after being postponed by a year, and Tom Brady won yet another Super Bowl -- this time, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers instead of the New England Patriots.
It’s hard to show you EVERYTHING that happened (because there was just so much!), but we enjoyed combing through Getty Images to see some of the more unique photos their photographers snapped this year.
In no particular order, here are 17 photos that we think help tell the story of 2021.
OK then -- who’s ready for 2022?
Graham Media Group 2021
Mass shooting at New Year's Eve house party in Houston ▶ 1:20
Mass shooting at New Year's Eve house party in Houston
Police deaths nationwide poised to fall below 100 for first time since 1940s ▶ 1:10
Police deaths nationwide poised to fall below 100 for first time since 1940s
A look back at Houston weather in 2025 ▶ 1:29
A look back at Houston weather in 2025
Cold this morning, but the heat is about to return ▶ 1:11
Cold this morning, but the heat is about to return
Houston Weather: Cold Start to 2026 Before a Warm New Year Rebound ▶ 0:42
Houston Weather: Cold Start to 2026 Before a Warm New Year Rebound
Authorities Warn Against Celebratory Gunfire This New Year's Eve ▶ 1:20
Authorities Warn Against Celebratory Gunfire This New Year's Eve
Harris County Increases Patrols for New Year's Eve: Ensuring Road Safety ▶ 1:53
Harris County Increases Patrols for New Year's Eve: Ensuring Road Safety
Body found during search for missing San Antonio teen ▶ 1:11
Body found during search for missing San Antonio teen
Man dies days after Christmas eve hit-and-run in southeast Houston, police seek help ▶ 1:45
Man dies days after Christmas eve hit-and-run in southeast Houston, police seek help
VIDEO: Body camera, surveillance footage show events leading to HPD shooting in NW Houston ▶ 2:31
VIDEO: Body camera, surveillance footage show events leading to HPD shooting in NW Houston
Top headlines for Dec. 30, 2025 | Houston news update ▶ 1:46
Top headlines for Dec. 30, 2025 | Houston news update
‘There is not a serial killer’: Harris County DA disputes rumors after more bodies found in bayous ▶ 2:37
‘There is not a serial killer’: Harris County DA disputes rumors after more bodies found in bayous
Here's your forecast for New Year's week ▶ 1:34
Here's your forecast for New Year's week
Houston’s new short-term rental ordinance takes effect Thursday after Third Ward shooting ▶ 1:15
Houston’s new short-term rental ordinance takes effect Thursday after Third Ward shooting
A look at today's top stories in Houston and beyond ▶ 1:42
A look at today's top stories in Houston and beyond
30-Degree Temperature Drop, Scattered Showers, and Wind ▶ 1:06
30-Degree Temperature Drop, Scattered Showers, and Wind
Woman dies on freeway after being rearended ▶ 1:25
Woman dies on freeway after being rearended
2 teens shot outside house party in Houston ▶ 1:47
2 teens shot outside house party in Houston
Recognize these hats or the people in this video? 👀 ▶ 2:10
Recognize these hats or the people in this video? 👀
FAQ: Bodies in the Bayou ▶ 2:18
FAQ: Bodies in the Bayou
Deputy joins kids in foot race during Christmas patrol ▶ 0:27
Deputy joins kids in foot race during Christmas patrol
Cold front coming to Houston after hot Christmas ▶ 1:08
Cold front coming to Houston after hot Christmas
Top Headlines for Today, Dec. 26, 2025 ▶ 1:21
Top Headlines for Today, Dec. 26, 2025
Deadly officer-involved shooting near 288 & Almeda Genoa ▶ 0:59
Deadly officer-involved shooting near 288 & Almeda Genoa
Houston experiences its THIRD WARMEST CHRISTMAS! ▶ 0:40
Houston experiences its THIRD WARMEST CHRISTMAS!
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