David Stricklin: NFL Player Health and Leadership

David Stricklin: NFL Player Health and Leadership

What happens after the whistle when NFL players hit the sidelines battered and bruised? In this episode of Pay Your Dues, host Greg Inglin sits down with David Stricklin, Head Athletic Trainer for the Seattle Seahawks, to uncover the physical and mental grind it takes to compete in professional football. From 15-hour training camp days to recovering from devastating injuries, Stricklin shares powerful stories of NFL player health, resilience, leadership, and the human side of life inside the NFL Seahawks locker room. Hear stories about former head coach Pete Carroll, wide receiver Tyler Lockett, and other pivotal team members. Whether you’re a football fan, an athlete, or someone chasing excellence in your own career, this conversation offers wisdom you won’t forget.

What You Can Expect from This Episode:

- A detailed look at the long days and hidden challenges of NFL training camp and gameday preparation.

- Emotional stories from the highs of a Super Bowl win to the heartbreak of a crushing Super Bowl loss.

- Lessons on leadership, resilience, and managing pressure—applicable far beyond the Lumen football field.

Guest Resources:

Seattle Seahawks: Website

Mentors & influences highlighted: Patrick Olson (South Kitsap High School), Barney Graff (Oregon State), Sam Ramsden (Seahawks Director of Player Health & Performance)

About My Guest: David Stricklin is the Head Athletic Trainer for the Seattle Seahawks, where he’s provided expert care to NFL athletes since 2010. A South Kitsap High School graduate, Stricklin discovered his passion for athletic training after a football injury led him to pursue exercise science at Central Washington University and sports medicine at Oregon State. Known for his process-oriented approach, compassion, and leadership, Stricklin oversees athlete health, injury rehab, and recovery throughout each grueling NFL season. He is respected for his tireless work ethic, authentic relationships, and dedication to player well-being.

Want to skip to the good part? Here’s this episode’s segments:

00:00 Introduction to NFL Training Camp Dynamics

04:07 A Day in the Life of an NFL Trainer

07:03 Building Relationships and Handling Cuts

10:08 The Comprehensive Role of Athletic Trainers

13:02 Navigating Injuries and Player Availability

15:54 The Evolution of Injury Management in the NFL

19:08 The Emotional Toll of Injuries

21:56 Resilience and Mental Health in Players

25:00 Personal Journey and Career Insights

32:37 The Super Bowl Journey

37:50 The Bond of Championship Teams

40:44 The Aftermath of Loss

41:39 Adapting to Change

43:32 Leadership Lessons from Coaches

45:03 The Damar Hamlin Incident

48:22 The Sideline Experience

52:27 Impactful Players and Growth

55:23 Relentless Leadership

57:50 The Reality of Being a Player

01:00:17 Recovery and Technology

01:03:37 Gratitude and Purpose