Long-time Redskins head athletic trainer Bubba Tyer has returned to the organization as the team's director of sports medicine. Tyer will be an invaluable resource for head coach Joe Gibbs and the Redskins'athletic training staff, headed by newcomer John Burrell.
Although Tyer and Burrell have been working at Redskins Park since mid-January, Gibbs formally announced their appointments on Tuesday with the rest of the coaching staff.
One of the most popular figures in Redskins history, Tyer spent 32 seasons (25 as head athletic trainer) with the Redskins and was a part of an organization that had five Super Bowl appearances and three World Championship teams. He was inducted into the franchise's Ring of Fame at FedExField on Dec. 15, 2003.
Tyer retired prior to the 2003 season but decided to return to the team when Gibbs returned as head coach on Jan. 7. One of the most respected members of his profession, Tyer was recognized as the NFL's top trainer in 2000.
A graduate of Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, Tyer was head trainer for the United States Marine Corps' varsity sports program at Quantico for four years (1968-71) before joining the staff of another Redskins Hall of Fame coach, George Allen.
Burrell replaces Dean Kleinschmidt as head athletic trainer. He spent the last eight seasons in Jacksonville as an assistant athletic trainer--he had been with the Jaguars since their inaugural season in 1995.
Previously, Burrell was a summer assistant athletic trainer with the Atlanta Falcons from 1990-95.
A native of Vicksburg, Miss., Burrell served as head athletic trainer at Alcorn State University in Lorman, Miss., and assistant athletic trainer of the Shreveport Pirates of the Canadian Football League during the team's inaugural season.
A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Burrell also serves on a number of national trade boards and committees. He was recently appointed by Florida Gov. Jeb Bush to serve as a member of the newly created Board of Athletic Training.
Burrell is also a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association, the Athletic Trainers Association of Florida and the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society Executive Committee.
