NFL Athletic Trainer's True Role Exposed

0:00It's April 6th. Welcome to NFL News Today, powered by AI and ready for kickoff. NFL analyst Dove Climan kicked off a big online debate last week with a post-praising water boy jobs in the NFL. He claimed they pull in over $3,000 per game, averaging more than $50,000 a season, plus tips for handling practices. Locker rooms and travel. To prove it, he shared a photo from a Philadelphia Eagles game showing a staffer squirting water into player Zach Erts' mouth. But Jason Kelsey quickly set the record straight on X on April 5th. That guy isn't a water boy. He's Joel Pella, an athletic trainer who's been with the Eagles for over 15 years, heading into his 18 season. Kelsey called the post-hilarious, but wildly misleading, stressing that trainers handle hydration along with way bigger duties like injury rehab and keeping players healthy. Patients and former players lit up the comments, highlighting how these pros often hold master's degrees, and start as apprentices learning to tape ankles.

1:03Treat injuries and more. Opella himself earned top awards last year, including the Tim Davie Assistant Athletic Trainer of the Year in an Honorary Courage Award while battling cancer. Kelsey and Opella go way back. Opella take the center's ankles and thumbs every single day of his 13-year career. Even during Opella's cancer fight, which kept him from Kelsey's final game, Kelsey stepped up with offers for his family's beach house Stay and Meal. Services. Pay figures check out, too, around $53,000 a year for 17 games. This mix up shines a light on the unsung heroes running the show behind the scenes. Next time you see someone with a water bottle, remember their pros grinding to keep the game on point.