A Message from Michael Yorio, M.D., President, NFL Physicians Society
It is with profound honor and genuine humility that I write to you today as the incoming President of the NFL Physicians Society.
I look forward to serving our membership by being ready to listen and to support our collective ability to provide care to the best athletes in the world.
To follow in the footsteps of so many world-renowned leaders in sports medicine is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I am filled with deep gratitude for the trust placed in me, and with excitement for what we can accomplish together.
At the heart of everything we do is the wellbeing of the extraordinary athletes we serve. My commitment to this Society begins with listening — to you, our members — and ensuring that the NFLPS continues to reflect the collective wisdom, dedication, and passion that makes this organization exceptional.
I look forward to working alongside each of you in the months and years ahead.
The best is yet to come.
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