Alisha, had the opportunity to speak with the sports medicine staff from the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of their appearance in Super Bowl 54. The conversation was primarily directed at their two female athletic trainers, Tiffany Morton and Julie Frymyer.
Conversation Highlights:
- These women do not view themselves as “different” simply because they represent a minority within the NFL. They worked hard, asked to be given a fair shot, and took advantage of opportunities that were made available to them. They do not carry any limiting belief about their gender and truly want to normalize the female presence within the NFL so that it no longer becomes a talking point.
- They do not carry any special characteristic, skillset, or diploma from a highly touted university. In fact both of them have a non-traditional route to these positions. What they do have is the tenacity to persevere & willingness to make necessary decisions to move their career in a direction they desired.
- Advocacy is a strong aspect of their work, both for themselves and for others. In their attempts to normalize female NFL ATs as well as in the work they do with their patients. Stepping into a role that puts their healthcare in public view is, in part, how their staff has grown and remains at the forefront of the NFL.
When VP of Sports Medicine and Performance, Rick Burkholder, joined the conversation at the end, he mentioned his initiatives in getting more women into the NFL. (insert minute number) When prompted about his title as VP of Sports Medicine and Performance as opposed to Head Athletic Trainer he discusses the oversight of other departments (strength & conditioning, equipment) and how their role contributes to player health & safety. Whether it’s because of this oversight, having two female ATs on staff, or simply chance, the Chiefs went the entire season without a concussion.
