(Indianapolis, IN — February 28, 2024) – The NFL Physicians Society (NFLPS) applauds Scott A. Rodeo, M.D. of the New York Football Giants for being awarded the prestigious Jerry “Hawk” Rhea Award. Dr. Rodeo was recognized as an outstanding NFL head team physician by the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS) at the NFLPS Annual Scientific Meeting and Symposium during the NFL Scouting Combine. The award is given annually by PFATS to the NFL team physician who has made the greatest contributions to both the NFL and the profession of athletic training.
“Dr. Rodeo is the embodiment of this award, and it is reflected in the contributions that he has made to the profession of athletic training and the NFL. A former collegiate athlete himself, Dr. Rodeo has always valued the role of athletic trainers in the management of sport-related injuries at all levels. Dr. Rodeo is a dedicated champion of athletic training who has credited athletic trainers as being a vital member of the sports medicine team. His collaboration with athletic trainers over the years with the New York Giants, the NFL, the U.S. Olympic Team and others, has had a positive impact on the growth, development and advancement of sports medicine, PFATS and the profession of athletic training. PFATS is excited to present him with this distinguished award,” said Bryan “Flea” Engel, President of PFATS and Director of Sports Medicine & Head Athletic Trainer for the Green Bay Packers.
“Dr. Scott Rodeo is a brilliant physician and scientist. His dedication to our athletes is immeasurable. The New York Football Giants are very fortunate to have Dr. Scott Rodeo as our team physician. Dr. Rodeo’s academic and clinical contributions are respected worldwide,” said Ronnie P. Barnes, Senior Vice President, Medical Services/Head Athletic Trainer, New York Football Giants.
“I have worked with Scott Rodeo for over 20 years. From his mentoring of up-and-coming physicians in and out of the NFL, his enthusiasm and first rate skills in the organization of our NFLPS Annual Scientific Meeting, to his calm and understated demeanor, Scott is one of a kind. It’s wonderful to see him honored by PFATS for his years of service,” said NFLPS President and 49ers’ Head Team Physician Dr. Timothy McAdams.
Dr. Rodeo specializes in Orthopedic Surgery with an expertise in complex knee reconstruction. He is currently the head team physician for the New York Giants. He also served as a Team Physician for the United States Olympic Team in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016.
Dr. Rodeo serves as the Director of the Center for Regenerative Medicine at Hospital for Special Surgery. In addition to this award, he was also given the Excellence in Research Award by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine in 2004.
He received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University. He attended medical school at Cornell University Medical College, in New York.
The Jerry “Hawk” Rhea Award for Outstanding NFL Team Physician is presented annually by PFATS to a member of the NFLPS. First awarded in 1998, it is named for Jerry Rhea who was the Head Athletic Trainer for the Atlanta Falcons from 1969 until 1994 and worked as Assistant to the President of the Falcons from 1994 to 2001. Jerry
Rhea was the first winner, in 1998, of the Fain-Cain Memorial Award for outstanding NFL Athletic Trainer of the year, awarded annually by the NFL team physicians.
The winner of last year’s Jerry “Hawk” Rhea Award was Dr. Andy Tucker, head team physician for the Baltimore Ravens. A full list of previous winners can be found here.
