They say, “it takes a village,” and that’s certainly the case for teams in the National Football League (NFL) too. While most people only hear about the quarterback who made the perfect pass or the linebacker who broke through the line for a big tackle, NFL staff on the sidelines are often the ones who help propel teams towards national championships.
Nick Cosgray ‘00 ’02 (athletic training, physical therapy) is the Director of Rehabilitation and the Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Cincinnati Bengals. Nick is responsible for the “set-up, design and execution of all physical rehabilitation programs for the injured/postoperative athletes.”
The Bengals will compete against the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI on Sunday, February 13. This will mark the first Super Bowl appearance since 1988 for Cincinnati. Some say that this Super Bowl trip might not have happened without Cosgray’s help rehabilitating key Bengals players like star quarterback Joe Burrow, who endured a season-ending tear to his ACL during the 2020-2021 season.
Nick, however, says he wouldn’t be where he is in his career if not for the UIndy Athletic Training program. “I 100% believe that the UIndy AT program prepared me for my current career. Not only did I receive a great education, but the clinical experiences I was able to have with local high schools and the Indianapolis Colts are what led me to want to work in the NFL!”
The University of Indianapolis Department of Athletic Training is celebrating its 20th anniversary of accreditation this year and its 25th anniversary as an approved major. Jessica Jochum, athletic training program director, says, “Our students and alumni are truly the foundational pieces of our program. What the outside world sees is the tip of the iceberg but what we get to see is all the work that goes into that creation.”
Stacey Gaven, Coordinator of Clinical Education, added “Success is fun and watching our students and alumni succeed adds fuel to the fire to continue to uphold the strong tradition of the UIndy AT program.”
When asked what his most rewarding experience has been, Cosgray says, “Anytime you work with an athlete that has a devastating, season-ending or career-threatening injury and they are able to make a full recovery and return to the sport at the highest level is rewarding.” He continued with, ”A lot of time, effort and energy goes into the rehabilitation process for these players, so it is great when all that pays off.”
The Super Bowl is one of the largest sporting events of the year. However, this year’s game is especially exciting and inspiring for current UIndy students to know that a Greyhound is an integral member of this football team.
Nick Cosgray is feeling thrilled leading up to Sunday’s game. “Everyone works so hard all year for the opportunity to play for a World Championship! I can only speak for myself, but I would assume everyone feels the same as I do and that is EXCITED!”
