Breaking: On Thursday, John Norwig and Dick Hoak were honored as recipients of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s ‘Awards of Excellence……….see more details…
…On Thursday, June 26, 2025, during a special Honors Week in Canton, Ohio, the Pro Football Hall of Fame presented its prestigious Awards of Excellence, recognizing stellar behind-the-scenes contributors to the NFL. Among the honorees were John Norwig, former head athletic trainer for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and longtime Steelers coach Dick Hoak—the two celebrated for their extraordinary careers.
John Norwig — Athletic Trainer Extraordinaire
John Norwig’s impact on the Steelers spans 32 years (1991–2023), serving as the team’s head athletic trainer through multiple Super Bowl triumphs . His dedication shaped the medical standards for one of the league’s most dominant franchises. A few highlights:
He hired the NFL’s first full-time female athletic trainer in 2002, a groundbreaking move for diversity and inclusion .
Honored in 2015 with induction into the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Hall of Fame and recognition via the Fain‑Cain Memorial Award and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award .
Prior to Pittsburgh, Norwig developed his craft at Penn State and Vanderbilt, eventually earning the Steelers’ respect and admiration .
At the announcement, Steelers President Art Rooney II remarked, “He’s as good as it gets in terms of somebody that comes and stays for 32 years and provides us with that level of professionalism.”
Dick Hoak — A Steeler Legacy
Dick Hoak’s football journey with Pittsburgh began as a player (1961–1970), before transitioning to an exceptional 35-year run as the Steelers’ running backs coach (1972–2007) . His accomplishments include:
Playing a vital role in coaching icons like Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis, aiding Pittsburgh to win five Super Bowls during his tenure .
Accumulating 742 career games across both player and coaching roles before retiring in 2007 .
Being inducted into the Steelers Hall of Honor in 2017, cementing his status as a franchise legend .
Hoak, alongside fellow assistant coaches Elijah Pitts and Jim McNally, was previously announced in December 2024 as a recipient of the Assistant Coaches category for the Class of 2025 .
The Awards of Excellence Program: A Closer Look
Launched in 2022, this program honors non-player roles including assistant coaches, athletic trainers, equipment managers, film/video directors, and public relations directors .
Each category selects its recipients independently, showcasing the diverse behind-the-scenes professionals who shape team success .
The Class of 2025 honorees were formally recognized at a cocktail dinner and luncheon in Canton June 25–26, coinciding with the Hall’s annual events .
Their names are now enshrined in a special exhibit within the Hall of Fame Museum, and they will also participate in the August Enshrinement Week activities .
This year’s honorees across categories include:
Assistant Coaches: Dick Hoak, Elijah Pitts, Jim McNally
Athletic Trainers: John Norwig, Ed Block, Pepper Burruss
Equipment Managers: Tom Gray, Dennis Ryan, George Luongo
Film/Video Directors: Larry Clerico, Jon Dubé, David Hack
Public Relations Directors: Pete Abitante, Jason Jenkins, Bill Keenist
Why These Honors Matter
The Awards of Excellence emphasize that football organizations rely on far more than just players and coaches. By honoring professionals like Norwig and Hoak, the Hall underscores the importance of roles that are essential to player safety, team success, and organizational longevity.
Norwig’s influence spanned medical innovation, gender inclusion, and institutional excellence.
Hoak’s consistency and mentorship shaped decades of elite performance and left an enduring legacy in one of the NFL’s most successful decades
Their recognition not only reflects personal excellence but also shines a spotlight on the unseen pillars of pro football’s storied franchises.
What’s Next?
With Equipment Managers and Film/Video Directors also recognized, the final stage rolls out at Enshrinement Week in August 2025, where awardees will be invited to the spotlight ceremonies in Canton.
This detailed rundown brings to life why John Norwig and Dick Hoak are more than deserving recipients of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Awards of Excellence, celebrating careers that quietly yet profoundly shaped the NFL. Their commitment, innovation, and influence behind the scenes now join the Hall’s proud narrative.
