The St. Louis Rams' training staff has been recognized for their work in the 2015 season by the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society. Here's the release from the team:
The Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS) announced today that the St. Louis Rams have been named the 2015 NFL Athletic Training Staff of the Year. The award is voted on by the PFATS membership and recognizes one NFL athletic training staff annually for their distinguished service to their club, community and athletic training profession. The honor marks the first time the Rams have been recipients of the award since it was established in 1985.
"Our athletic training staff is invaluable to our team and what’s most important is that they have the trust of our players," Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher said. "We rely heavily on their expertise, ingenuity and attention to detail throughout the year and this award is a testament to the great work that they have done."
The award will be presented to Reggie Scott, the club’s director of sports medicine & performance, Byron Cunningham (physical therapist/assistant athletic trainer), James Lomax (assistant athletic trainer) and Tyler Williams (sports science coordinator/assistant athletic trainer). Scott, who is in his sixth year with the club, previously won the award as an assistant athletic trainer with the Carolina Panthers in 2004.
"It is an honor to be recognized for the work that we do," said Scott. "Our medical team works extremely hard to provide the best quality care possible to our players and ensure they’re performing at a high level. I’m thankful for the group that we have and for the unconditional support of our players and coaches."
PFATS is a professional association representing the athletic trainers of the National Football League. The association ensures the highest quality of health care is provided to NFL players and promotes the advancement of athletic training through education and research.
Of course, awards like this are meant to recognize the comprehensive work across the entire staff largely supporting the totality of their work, nearly all of which is done week-to-week behind closed doors and in the locker room.
Still, it's hard for this to jibe with images of Case Keenum hitting the turf and enduring a concussion only to stay in the game after talking to Rams Head Trainer Reggie Scott and fumbling two plays later setting up the Baltimore Ravens' game-winning field goal.
We've reached out to PFATS for what the Rams did in 2015 to earn the award.