The Kansas City Chiefs pride themselves on a quality supporting cast, including experienced front office members and exciting assistant coaches. On Mar. 2, one such member was recognized as the best in his field.
The NFL Physicians Society (NFLPS) presented the Fain-Cain Memorial Award to Chiefs Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance Rick Burkholder. The Fain-Cain Memorial Award recognizes “an NFL athletic trainer who best reflects the virtues of a certified athletic trainer and displays the highest level of professionalism,” according to NFLPS.
“Rick is the epitome of a leader, outstanding professional, and someone who others look up to,” said Dr. Anthony Casolaro, President of the NFLPS and Chief Medical Officer of the Washington Commanders. “During his time in the league, he has been a champion for change and raising the bar higher for other athletic trainers. We are so proud to have him as this year’s recipient of the coveted Fain Cain Award.”
Burkholder is amongst the NFL’s top athletic trainers, supervising the Chiefs’ athletic training staff and strength and conditioning and equipment departments. He also serves as the team’s Infection Control Officer (ICO) and a key member of the club’s Infection Response Team (IRT).
Congratulations to this year’s NFLPS Outstanding Athletic Trainer of the Year, Rick Burkholder @proatc VP of Sports Medicine and Performance of the Kansas City Chiefs @Chiefs pic.twitter.com/elIofocElY
— PFATS Foundation (@PFATSFoundation) March 3, 2022
“One thing I’ve come to appreciate about Rick is his complex understanding of rehabilitation for the professional athlete,” said Dr. Paul Schroeppel, M.D., head team orthopedic surgeon and NFLPS voting member for the Kansas City Chiefs. “His ability to balance athlete safety and protection, the desires and competitive drive of the athlete, and utilization of contemporary rehabilitation techniques to expedite recovery and optimize outcomes has been impressive.”
According to the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS), the award is named for Dr. Thomas E. Cain and Dr. Robert H. Fain, both former physicians for the defunct Houston Oilers. Created after Dr. Cain’s death and Dr. Fain’s retirement, the award honors their legacy of performance and commitment.
Burkholder is the first Chiefs trainer to receive the award since 2007 awardee Dave Kendall.