INDIANAPOLIS – Jeff Ferguson on Wednesday received his profession’s highest honor.

Ferguson, the Jaguars’ Vice President of Health and Performance, on Wednesday evening received the Fain Cain Memorial Award for Outstanding NFL Athletic Trainer of the Year. The award is presented by the NFL Physicians’ Society.

“Ferg embodies the very best in what an Athletic Trainer should be in today’s NFL,” Jaguars Head Team Physician Dr. Kevin Kaplan said in a statement. “His care for the players, medical knowledge, personality, ability to lead, while also helping his staff grow in their careers, is second to none.

“I’m honored to work with him and proud to present the prestigious 2023 FainCain Memorial award on behalf of our NFL Physicians’ Society.”

Ferguson, who joined the Jaguars in 2021 as director of athletic training, spent 2019-2020 as Vice President of Player Health and Safety of the XFL. He spent 2006-2019 with the San Francisco 49ers, serving in various roles including Vice President of Medical Services, Head Athletic Trainer, Vice President of Football Operations and Director of Football Operations and Sports Medicine.

The Fain-Cain award is named for Dr. Thomas E. Cain and Dr. Robert H. Fain, both long time team physicians for the old Houston Oilers. The award was established shortly after Dr. Cain’s death and Dr. Fain’s retirement.

Both physicians exhibited long term commitments to the NFL and exemplary performances. The award is given annually to an NFL athletic trainer who manifests these traits.

This award is sponsored by the NFL Physician’s Society and is presented to the PFATS member who best reflects the virtues of a certified athletic trainer and displays the highest level of professionalism.