A Message from James Voos, M.D., President, NFL Physicians Society
It is an honor to serve as President of the NFL Physicians Society and represent such a talented group of physicians dedicated to advancing player health and safety. We continue to build on a strong legacy of leadership in sports medicine.
My commitment is to ensure the highest standard of care for athletes through standardized emergency action plans, cutting-edge medical treatments, and the enhanced use of technology.
Collaboration remains a top priority. We will continue to work closely with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS), and the NFL to advance player health initiatives. Additionally, strengthening partnerships with medical societies will be key in advocating for team physicians and ensuring they can provide the best possible care.
Our organization is dedicated to fostering open communication, sharing best practices, and advancing medical knowledge to benefit athletes at every level.
I am truly honored to represent this accomplished group of team physicians and to uphold our mission of excellence in sports medicine.
To learn more about the NFL’s commitment to player health and safety, click here.
James Voos, MD
President, NFLPS
Head Team Physician, Cleveland Browns
About The NFL Physicians Society
Since its founding in 1966, the NFL Physicians Society (NFLPS) has been dedicated to supporting team physicians, enhancing communication, and ensuring the highest quality of medical care for NFL athletes. Our mission has remained steadfast: to provide excellence in medical and surgical care while offering guidance and support to team physicians and athletic trainers responsible for player health.
As individual NFL physicians, we prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries. As a collective, we strive to advance medical protocols, improving how football is played and taught to enhance player safety. On the field, athletes compete at the highest level—but off the field, we work as one team, united in our commitment to keeping players safe and healthy.
The NFLPS was founded on the principle that collaboration among medical professionals leads to better outcomes for athletes. By bringing together some of the brightest minds in sports medicine to openly discuss challenges and develop solutions, we continue to push the boundaries and provide excellence in player care.
Our Mission Statement
The NFLPS’ mission is to provide excellence in the medical and surgical care to the athletes in the NFL and to provide direction and support for the athletic trainers in charge of the care for these athletes.
How Does a Physician Become an NFL Team Physician?
Becoming an NFL team physician requires extensive medical training and experience in sports medicine. Most team physicians are fellowship-trained in orthopaedic surgery, general surgery, or internal medicine. This means they have completed four years of undergraduate study, four years of medical school, followed by four to five years of residency, and at least one year of specialized fellowship training.
In addition to their medical expertise, NFL team physicians often gain experience by serving as team doctors at the high school or collegiate level before advancing to the professional ranks. Each NFL team’s medical staff is carefully selected by the team’s front office.
Many NFL team physicians also work with other professional sports teams in their cities, including those in the MLB, MLS, NBA, further broadening their expertise in treating elite athletes.
Media Inquiries
For media inquiries, please email weiss@nflps.org