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John Norwig, the longtime Head Athletic Trainer for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was honored with the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s prestigious Award of Excellence during a ceremony in Canton, Ohio.
The award recognizes Norwig’s 32-year career with the Steelers, which began in 1991 and included two Super Bowl championships. He retired in 2023, leaving behind a legacy marked by professionalism, leadership, and innovation in sports medicine.
“It's pretty hard to sum it up in just a few words what John has meant to us,” said Steelers president Art Rooney II. “He's as good as it gets… part of the reason our medical staff has been the best in the NFL for a long time.”
Norwig’s influence extended beyond the training room. He was a trailblazer in hiring Ariko Iso, the NFL’s first full-time female Athletic Trainer in 2002, and Sonia Ruef in 2011. Both women joined him on stage during the ceremony as he credited the Steelers’ medical staff for their collaborative success.
A Penn State graduate with a master’s in health education, Norwig also served as president of the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS) from 2008–2014. In 2015, he received the Fain-Cain Memorial Award from the NFL Physicians Society, one of the profession’s highest honors.
Also recognized at the event was Dick Hoak, former Steelers running backs coach and player, who spent 45 seasons with the team. Although he was unable to attend, Hoak was celebrated for his unique career coaching legends like Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis.
The Awards of Excellence honor those in supporting roles—like trainers and assistant coaches—whose behind-the-scenes work shapes NFL success. Norwig’s name will be enshrined in the Hall of Fame Museum, a testament to a career defined by quiet excellence and profound impact. Complete story here!
