Among all 32 NFL franchises, there were only 21 full time female athletic trainers around the entire league. You can now make that 22 as the Green Bay Packers have joined the list.
The Packers announced that three-year intern Erin Roberge has been elevated to full time trainer. A University of Wisconsin alumna, Roberge is embracing the opportunity at making history. Especially for he childhood team.
“It just feels like doing my job every day, but it is a cool thing to be a part of and to be the first. Luckily, I wasn’t the first female intern they had. There have been females around the building. I’m just the first one to be full time…
The trainers that worked at Wisconsin were so good at their jobs. It was the first time I was exposed to seeing what athletic trainers do every day and getting to work around them.
That drew me into it, because I realized I loved the science behind the profession and always getting to work in sports and be part of the team.”
The Green Bay Packers staff currently includes five full-time trainers, as well as three interns (two female) and Roberge is still the youngest on staff, 24. Considering how revered the Packers’ training staff is for their staunch approach and not rushing players back to the field, it’s an enormous accomplishment.
Accomplished at such a young age, she is highly regarded. Expected to take on a larger role as her career progresses.