Julie Frymyer and Tiffany Morton, both athletic trainers, are an integral part of the Kansas City Chiefs’ staff and helped prepare the team for Super Bowl LIX.
Historic Contributions
Julie and Tiffany’s contributions mark a significant step forward in diversifying the roles within NFL teams and highlighting the increasing presence of women in professional football.
Julie Frymyer
Julie Frymyer holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and has been instrumental in the Chiefs’ training regimen, bringing advanced rehabilitation techniques to the team’s recovery processes. Her expertise has been pivotal in maintaining players’ health and readiness throughout the season. She has been a vital part of the Chiefs training staff since 2018. Before joining the Chiefs, Julie built a strong foundation in sports medicine, earning her master’s in exercise physiology from Florida International University and a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of St. Augustine.
She gained widespread recognition for helping Patrick Mahomes recover from a high ankle sprain ahead of the 2023 AFC Championship and eventual Super Bowl victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Tiffany Morton
Tiffany Morton’s background in sports medicine has been crucial to the team’s success. Her experience and dedication have ensured that players receive top-tier medical care, contributing to their optimal performance on the field.
Morton joined the Chiefs in 2016, becoming the first woman in the team’s history to hold an assistant athletic training position. Her journey began with an internship during the 2015 season, which led to a full-time role the following year. Since then, Morton has been involved in four Super Bowl appearances with the Chiefs, securing three victories. She emphasizes the importance of being prepared for emergencies on the field, stating, “We are there for when the emergency happens, not as a reaction to the emergency.”
Contributions to Team Success
Both Morton and Frymyer play crucial roles in the day-to-day health and readiness of the Chiefs’ players. Their responsibilities include injury prevention, emergency care and rehabilitation, ensuring athletes perform at their peak. Their dedication and expertise have been vital to the team’s achievements, including multiple Super Bowl victories.
Significance in the NFL
Their presence on the Chiefs’ staff represents a personal achievement and signifies broader progress within the NFL. The league has seen a gradual increase in female professionals taking on various roles, from coaching to athletic training, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
As the NFL continues to embrace diversity, the achievements of professionals like Frymyer and Morton will pave the way for more inclusive opportunities within professional football. Their roles inspire and demonstrate that excellence knows no gender boundaries.
