IMG Academy selected Christopher R. Sforzo, M.D., a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Sforzo | Dillingham | Stewart Orthopedics + Sports Medicine in Sarasota, to serve as attending physician for the IMG Academy NFL Pre-Combine/Draft Training program.

Sforzo will work with the academy’s athletic trainers and physical therapists to help prospective professional football players prepare for the NFL Scouting Combine, February 28 to March 6 in Indianapolis.

“We will thoroughly evaluate every player from head to toe, and review their medical histories,” said Sforzo. “Then, we will put them through a complete physical and stress every ligament and tendon to be sure everything checks out.  Afterward we will order any special testing, check on areas that are healing and provide tailored treatment to help players recover quickly and reach peak performance at the NFL Combine.”

IMG Academy recently opened a 65,000-square-foot Performance & Sports Science Center on its Bradenton campus designed to provide the cutting-edge in physical conditioning and recovery resources for all its athletes. The new Center will also service football players for the National Football League (NFL) draft – the most important job interview of their lives. To date, 86 players who were first-round picks, including five #1 selections, have trained at IMG Academy.

Sforzo will work closely with the IMG Academy team to create a detailed training plan for each player. “Many athletes have injuries that need to heal for peak performance,” he said. “If a player has a shoulder injury, for example, we will create a special training program to speed his shoulder recovery and allow him to train other areas so that when he reaches the NFL Combine he is ready to perform in various skills at his absolute best.“

The NFL Scouting Combine is a weeklong showcase occurring every February at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where college football players perform physical and mental tests in front of National Football League coaches, general managers, and scouts from all 32 teams. This February, over 300 top college football players will be invited to participate.

“I also speak with players’ families and agents, and discuss prognosis and recovery time,” Sforzo said. “I give advice on treatment and review the medical evaluation process with them when players reach the NFL Combine.”

Sforzo, M.D. is fellowship trained in hand and upper extremity surgery. He provides expert care in the treatment of problems involving the shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand.