Champions of Care: Inside the World of Super Bowl Athletic Trainers
People magazine had an article covering the experiences of Tiffany Morton and Julie Frymyer, assistant Athletic Trainers for the Kansas City Chiefs, who both headed to the Super Bowl on Sunday.
The Chiefs won the game in dramatic fashion, as they did the previous year. But we wanted to make sure you saw the story and read about these two amazing women who dealt with a lot of player injuries during the season and throughout the big game.
How tough was their season? Morton tweeted a pic after the game and said:
"Yup goofy smile & all. Just happy & relishing the blessing an another opportunity. My goal this year was be a positive albeit tough light. Needed it this year w/ the trials sent to me & this team. Proud of their ability to work through, proud of me pushing and smiling all the way."
Morton, who began her journey with the Chiefs as an intern in 2015 and officially joined the team in 2016, has now navigated the challenges and triumphs of the Super Bowl four times.
Her approach underscores a proactive stance towards athlete care, emphasizing the athletic trainer's role in immediate response and preparedness for emergencies on the field.
"We are there for when the emergency happens, not as a reaction to the emergency."
The emotional and professional investment in their roles is profound, as Morton describes the overwhelming mix of excitement, pride, and continuous dedication to the team's success.
This emotional investment extends to Frymyer as well, who shares Morton's sentiments and professional ethos. Together, they exemplify the comprehensive care AT provide, encompassing not only emergency response but also pre-game preparation and post-game recovery.
Their preparation for the Super Bowl, as described by Frymyer, involves meticulous planning and execution, ensuring that every possible need is anticipated and met.
The extensive packing of equipment and treatment modalities underscores the depth of their commitment to maintaining the athletes' peak physical condition. Frymyer noted in the article:
"Essentially, if it's not bolted down in our athletic training room, we're packing it up and bringing it with us."
On game day, their roles pivot to critical on-field care, alongside providing continuous support for hydration, minor injury management, and maintaining overall player health.
Morton's reflection on their rapid response capabilities, especially in life-threatening situations, underscores the life-saving impact athletic trainers can have, highlighting the importance of their skills in emergency recognition and response.
Both Morton and Frymyer advocate strongly for the essential role of Athletic Trainers across all levels of sports, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of their presence for the safety and well-being of athletes.
"Having somebody there who knows exactly how to recognize an emergency is essential to sports medicine and basic care."
This narrative serves as a reminder of the critical role Athletic Trainers play in not only safeguarding the physical health of athletes but also contributing to their teams' successes through tireless commitment and expert care.
Morton and Frymyer's experiences and insights provide valuable reflections for ATs everywhere, affirming the essential nature of their work in the dynamic and demanding world of professional sports.
Read the full article from People here!