Justin Sports Medicine Team: Keeping Rodeo Athletes in the Game

Every December, Las Vegas transforms into the epicenter of professional rodeo as the top athletes from around the world gather for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). Dubbed the “Super Bowl” of rodeo, this prestigious event pits the top 15 contestants in each event against each other over ten grueling rounds of competition.

The stakes couldn’t be higher as athletes vie for the coveted title of World Champion.

But the road to rodeo greatness is fraught with challenges, including a litany of potential injuries. From grueling physical demands to the ever-present risk in roughstock events, the NFR leaves no room for recovery days.

For many athletes, staying in the game relies heavily on one key team: the Justin Sports Medicine Team.

“Everybody is focused on being at the top of their game,” said Dr. Tandy Freeman, a 30-year veteran of the team. “Not only the athletes, but the physicians too.”

This groundbreaking program was conceived in 1980 by Dr. J Pat Evans and Don Andrews. They envisioned a mobile sports medicine system providing professional rodeo athletes with vital medical support at arenas across the country.

The network includes emergency physicians, orthopedists, trauma specialists, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and physician assistants, creating a comprehensive safety net for athletes.

During the NFR, contestants benefit from the team’s unwavering presence and expertise. Injury reports are published daily, detailing the contestants’ conditions and progress. With a nightly round win worth nearly $34,000, every athlete knows that staying in peak condition is critical.

However, the team’s efforts don’t end in Las Vegas.

“The program covers around 120 rodeos a year,” Dr. Freeman explained. “We have several hundred people throughout the country who volunteer with the program and another 12-15 athletic trainers who go to numerous rodeos.”

By serving nearly 3,000 athletes annually, the Justin Sports Medicine Team has become an indispensable part of the rodeo community, ensuring that contestants have the care they need to chase their dreams—and championships.

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