Fain-Cain Award for Outstanding NFL Athletic Trainer awarded to Steelers’ Norwig
Arthur C. Rettig, M.D., Award for Academic Excellence Awarded to Ram’s Brophy
Jerry “Hawk” Rhea award given to Jets’ Hershman
Indianapolis, Ind. – February 24, 2015 – The NFL Physicians Society (NFLPS) held its annual Scientific Meeting and Symposium during the NFL Scouting Combine and hosted an awards ceremony honoring the best of the NFL doctors and head athletic trainers. John Norwig of the Pittsburgh Steelers was awarded with the Fain-Cain Memorial Award for Outstanding NFL Athletic Trainer of the Year. Dr. Robert Brophy, M.D. of the St. Louis Rams was awarded the Arthur C. Rettig, M.D. Award, named in honor of the head team physician of the Indianapolis Colts. Dr. Elliott Hershman, M.D., of the New York Jets was awarded the Jerry “Hawk” Rhea Award as Outstanding NFL Team Physician by the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS).
The Fain-Cain Award is named for Dr. Thomas E. Cain, M.D., and Dr. Robert H. Fain, M.D., both long-time team physicians for the old Houston Oilers. The award was established shortly after Dr. Cain’s death and Dr. Fain’s retirement. The award is given annually to an NFL athletic trainer who best reflects the virtues of a certified athletic trainer and displays the highest level of professionalism.
“It’s a great honor, I’m very grateful,” said this year’s winner, Steelers’ Head Athletic Trainer, John Norwig. “It was a complete surprise, [Steelers team doctors] Dr. Bradley and Dr. Yates put together a slide show for the banquet. It was very nice. I’m very appreciative,” concluded Norwig.
The Arthur C. Rettig Award for Academic Excellence is given annually to an NFL team physician for academic excellence in research in advancing the health and safety of players in the NFL. The award honors Dr. Rettig’s long-time commitment to research and education of NFL team physicians by his establishment of and continuing organization and support of the annual scientific sessions.
“I am humbled to receive the Arthur C. Rettig Award for Academic Excellence given the outstanding efforts of so many physicians and athletic trainers to constantly improve the level of care in the NFL,” said Dr. Robert Brophy. “I want to especially thank Ronnie Barnes and Drs. Warren, Rodeo and Kelly from the New York Giants for their inspiration and instruction and the medical staff with the St. Louis Rams, particularly my partners Drs. Matava and Wright, for their assistance and guidance with my research efforts over the years,” said Brophy.
The Jerry “Hawk” Rhea Award is presented by the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS) at the annual NFLPS Scientific Meeting. 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. The award is given to the NFL team physician who has made the greatest contributions to both the NFL and the profession of athletic training. This year Dr. Elliott Hershman, M.D. of the New York Jets was named the recipient of the Jerry “Hawk” Rhea Award.
“It is truly a great honor to receive this award. Working alongside the athletic trainers of the NFL, I have learned that they are a group of consummate professionals, committed to providing comprehensive and cutting edge medical care to the athletes playing in the NFL. I greatly appreciate their recognition and I am most grateful to the members of PFATS for this honor. It has particularly been a wonderful experience to work with the Athletic Training staff of the NY Jets over the years,” said Dr. Hershman.
About The NFL Physicians Society
The NFL Physicians Society was founded in 1966. Its mission is to provide excellence in the medical and surgical care of the athletes in the National Football League and to provide direction and support for the athletic trainers in charge of the care for these athletes. For more information, please visit www.nflps.org.
Contact: Amy Weiss, 202-203-0448, amy@weisspublicaffairs.com for the NFLPS
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