The NFL is expanding its initiative to increase diversity in sports medicine in its second year.
In its first year, the NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative comprised of 14 medical students from four historically Black colleges and universities who completed rotations across eight NFL clubs. The 2023 program is now matching students from 19 medical schools with NFL clubs, according to a May 22 news release.
"Working toward diverse representation across all roles in our league continues to be a top priority, and this program helps us make a tangible impact to grow and bolster a pipeline of diverse sports medicine professionals," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in the release.
The NFL plans to further expand the pipeline initiative and include more roles in athlete care such as physcian assistants, physical therapists and nutritionists.