University of Kentucky AT Alumni Took the NFL Playoffs by Storm

As the NFL season has wrapped up, the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences’ Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition had a special reason to cheer. With alumni in three playoff teams — the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and Pittsburgh Steelers — the department is a hub of accomplished Athletic Trainers.

“We are so proud of all of our alumni and their accomplishments," said Phillip Gribble, Ph.D., chair of the department. "It illustrates again that our department produces amazingly successful Athletic Trainers."

The alumni list included: 

• Gabe Amponsah of the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Naohisa Inoue and Jon Boone of the Miami Dolphins
• Tabani Richards of the Buffalo Bills. Particularly notable is Richards, part of the team that saved Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin last year, highlighting the crucial role of athletic trainers.

The department's success is not just in producing top Athletic Trainers but in the breadth of their career paths, ranging from scholastic and collegiate sports to industry and military roles.

"These are the kinds of graduates who are representing this department and the College — and it’s an exciting time to be in athletic training here at the University of Kentucky,” Gribble added.

With two alumni on opposing playoff teams, the department’s impact was showcased on a national stage.

"One of the best ways to illustrate the success of a department is to showcase its alumni," remarked Scott Lephart, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Health Sciences. "The faith these institutions have placed in our successful graduates is another great example that we can use to continue to spread the word."

The University of Kentucky community more than likely watched keenly, proud of their representation at the highest level of football.

Read the full story here!