A special ceremony will take place in Canton on June 25-26 to celebrate their careers.
Block served as the head Athletic Trainer for the Baltimore Colts from 1954 to 1977, providing medical care for Hall of Famers such as Johnny Unitas, Raymond Berry, and Lenny Moore. Before his NFL career, Block earned a Purple Heart for his service under General George S. Patton during World War II. His dedication to helping others inspired the creation of the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation, which honors NFL players who demonstrate courage and sportsmanship while supporting programs for abused and neglected children. In 1974, Block was inducted into the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame.
Burruss began his 42-year NFL career with the New York Jets in 1977, playing a crucial role in the emergency care of player Dennis Byrd following a spinal injury. In 1993, he became the Head Athletic Trainer for the Green Bay Packers, modernizing their medical operations and helping the team secure two Super Bowl victories. His contributions earned him the NFL Physicians Society’s Outstanding NFL Athletic Trainer award in 2012. Burruss later retired as the Packers’ Director of Sports Medicine Administration.
Norwig spent 32 years as the head Athletic Trainer for the Pittsburgh Steelers, retiring in 2023 after being part of two Super Bowl-winning teams. He was known for his dedication to player health and made history in 2002 by hiring the NFL’s first full-time female Athletic Trainer. Steelers President Art Rooney II praised Norwig at his retirement, stating, “He’s as good as it gets… he provided us with that level of professionalism.” In 2015, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Hall of Fame and received the Fain-Cain Memorial Award from the NFL Physicians Society.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame launched the Awards of Excellence in 2022 to recognize influential behind-the-scenes contributors to the game, including Assistant Coaches, Athletic Trainers, Equipment Managers, and Film/Video Directors. Each category has its own selection committee, independent of the Hall of Fame’s voting process. The Class of 2025 will also honor winners in equipment management and film and video direction, to be announced later. Learn more here!