The Pat Trammell Excellence in Sports Medicine Program was established in 2008. Its namesake, Dr. Pat Trammell, was the starting quarterback of The University of Alabama 1961 National Champion team coached by Paul “Bear” Bryant. Trammell was a beloved member of the Alabama football family—so much so that Coach Bryant once described him as his “favorite player.”

After completing his playing career, Dr. Trammell earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1966. He entered a dermatology residency but was tragically diagnosed with cancer, which led to his untimely death at age 28.

The Sports Medicine Fellowship and Chair were endowed in 2008 in honor of Dr. Pat Trammell. The endowment was a joint effort between the College of Community Health Sciences and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. As described by the late Athletic Director Emeritus Mal Moore, “The Dr. Patrick Lee Trammell Sr. Excellence in Sports Medicine Program promotes specialized sports medicine education, on-the-field ‘hands-on’ training, and practical experience for future sports medicine team physicians.”

Since its inception, the fellowship has flourished, becoming one of the premier training programs in the nation. Fellows trained in this program continue the tradition of excellence embodied by Dr. Trammell and reflected in the championship legacy of UA Athletics.