Emory Healthcare Athletic Trainer Bry Edwards Named Atlanta Falcons Athletic Trainer of the Year

Emory Healthcare is incredibly proud to celebrate Bry Edwards, an exceptional athletic trainer with Emory Sports Medicine, who was recently honored as the "Atlanta Falcons Athletic Trainer of the Year."

The award was presented at the Atlanta Falcons' annual High School Football Awards Show on April 17th, recognizing Bry's unwavering commitment to the health and safety of young athletes.

The energy inside the Atlanta Falcons' locker room at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was palpable as Dave Archer, the voice of the Falcons on 92.9 The Game, emceed the event. This special evening highlighted the remarkable dedication and talent within Georgia youth football, encompassing flag, tackle and both boys' and girls' high school leagues.

For the past four years, Bry has been a cornerstone of athletic care at Charles R. Drew High School in Clayton County, Georgia. Bry's deep understanding of the unique physical demands placed on young athletes has had a significant impact on the school's athletic program.

Bry's journey into athletic training was inspired by personal experience. "I began playing soccer when I was about five or six. I had two injuries that took me away from the soccer field completely," they shared. "Talking with athletic trainers and physical therapists during my rehabilitation was really cool and how I got into athletic training."

Bry's dedication to the well-being of athletes is undeniable. "I love working for Emory, and to be nominated and then win is a great honor!"

At Charles R. Drew High School, Bry's responsibilities extend across multiple sports, ensuring the well-being of athletes in track, soccer and football. Beyond immediate injury care, Bry is also actively involved in promoting safety within the wider community by assisting with CPR certification for coaches in Clayton County. This proactive approach truly embodies the comprehensive care philosophy of Emory Sports Medicine. 

Emory Sports Medicine Center is deeply invested in the health of young athletes, demonstrated by partnerships with over 25 metro-area high schools. These collaborations ensure that skilled athletic trainers are readily available, providing essential care and injury prevention strategies.

Kyle Hammond, MD, a physician at Emory Sports Medicine and the head team physician for the Falcons, emphasized the critical role of athletic trainers across the state. “In Georgia, there are more than a thousand athletic trainers who work hard to provide excellent care to their athletes,” Dr. Hammond stated. “Athletic trainers have a wide scope of responsibilities, from managing and preventing injuries to assisting in recovery. They have the experience needed to provide immediate emergency care and coordinate care for the players’ health and well-being.”

The High School Football Awards Show brought together a community of dedicated individuals, including student-athletes, their coache, and prominent figures from the Atlanta Falcons organization, such as President Greg Beadles and Falcons punter Bradley Pinion. Representing Emory Healthcare's strong commitment to this partnership was CEO Joon Lee, MD.

“Emory Healthcare is very proud of our strong and enduring partnership with the Atlanta Falcons, serving as your official team healthcare provider for more than 10 years,” Dr. Lee said. “We deeply value this long-standing collaboration.”

In addition to honoring Bry Edwards, the event also honored outstanding youth athletes in the categories of "Trailblazer" and "Man of the Year," recognizing the holistic development of young individuals through their involvement in sports.

Emory Healthcare congratulates Bry Edwards on this significant achievement and remains dedicated to supporting the health and safety of athletes throughout our community.