While NFL free agency has been capturing the spotlight for nearly a week, there are still significant developments occurring across the league worth noting. Among these are various accolades and special recognitions bestowed upon teams for their outstanding contributions beyond just on-field performance.
The Green Bay Packers are often regarded as having one of the premier front offices and coaching units in the NFL, and they are no strangers to offseason accolades. In news that, while expected, remains noteworthy, the Packers recently earned recognition highlighting a frequently overlooked segment of their organization.
Packers Awarded NFL Training Staff of the Year
At the Ed Block Courage Awards event in Baltimore, Maryland last week, the Packers were honored with the NFL Athletic Training Staff of the Year award, named after Ed Block himself. This marks a significant achievement for Bryan ‘Flea’ Engel, Nate Weir, Kurt Fielding, Erin Roberge, Brandon Kukal, Andrew DePietropaolo, and Ali Ghaisarnia.
In April of 2024, Green Bay elevated Engel to vice president of player health and performance and Weir to director of sports medicine/head athletic trainer. This strategic move has evidently paid off, as the Packers have now captured this accolade for the second time in the past 15 years and the third time over the last 35 years.
The award, determined by the Professional Football Athletic Training Society (PFATS), is presented annually to an NFL athletic training staff that demonstrates “distinguished service to the club, community, and profession.” Having previously won in 2011, Green Bay is one of only two teams, alongside the Buffalo Bills, to have been recognized twice during this period.
In the midst of a pivotal offseason with a youthful roster and numerous draft selections, it is reassuring to know that their training staff is regarded as top-tier. As demonstrated in recent years, this organization has the ability to maximize the potential of its players, and now it’s a matter of building on this robust foundation. Fans have reason to be optimistic about the future, and securing this award is just one reason for their excitement.
