Jerry “Hawk” Rhea Award for Outstanding NFL Team Physician
The Outstanding NFL Team Physician of the Year Jerry "Hawk" Rhea Award has been presented by PFATS (Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society) annually since 1998 at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. This award is named for Jerry Rhea, who served as head athletic trainer for the Atlanta Falcon from 1969 until 1994. Following his role as head athletic trainer, Rhea worked as Assistant to the President of the Falcons from 1994 to 2001. In addition to his duties with the Falcons, Rhea has served as the President of the National Athletic Trainers Association and on multiple NATA committees.
This award is given to the NFL team physician who has made the greatest contributions to both the NFL and profession of athletic training.
Previous Winners
- 2022 - Dr. Andrew Tucker, Baltimore Ravens
- 2021 - Dr. James Muntz, Houston Texans
- 2020 - Dr. Robert Heyer, Carolina Panthers
- 2019 - Dr. Sheldon Burns, Minnesota Vikings
- 2018 - Dr. Walter Lowe, Houston Texas
- 2017 - Dr. James Andrews, Washington Redskins
- 2016 - Dr. Robert Anderson, Carolina Panthers
- 2015 - Dr. Elliott Hershman, New York Jets
- 2014 - Dr. James Bradley, Pittsburgh Steelers
- 2013 - Dr. Dan Cooper, Dallas Cowboys
- 2012 - Dr. Ted Schlegel, Denver Broncos
- 2011 - Dr. Patrick McKenzie, Green Bay Packers
- 2010 - Dr. Robert Heidt, Cincinnati Bengals
- 2009 - Dr. Anthony Yates, Pittsburgh Steelers
- 2008 - Dr. Michael Dillingham, San Fancisco 49ers
- 2007 - Dr. Walter Timperman, Cincinnati Bengals | Dr. Allan M. Levy, New York Football Giants
- 2006 - Dr. Timothy Finney, New Orleans Saints
- 2005 - Dr. David Fischer, Minnesota Vikings
- 2004 - Dr. Russell Warren, New York Football Giants
- 2003 - Dr. Art Retig, Indianapolis Colts
- 2002 - Dr. Burton Zarins, New England Patriots
- 2001 - Dr. Charles Harrison, Atlanta Falcons
- 2000 - Dr. Charles Brown, New Orleans Saints
- 1999 - Dr. John Bergfeld, Cleveland Browns
- 1998 - Dr. Don Knowlan, Washington Redskins
