Bengals hire new head athletic trainer

The Cincinnati Bengals have a new director of sports medicine and head athletic trainer in the wake of Paul Sparling’s retirement after 30 years in the role.

This week, the Bengals announced the hiring of Matt Summers in that role.

Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin released a statement on the move:

“After conducting an extensive search process, we’re excited to have Matt join the Bengals as our new director of sports medicine and head athletic trainer. Matt’s experience in the NFL and college athletics has prepared him for this leadership role. Matt has a tremendous reputation and is known for his ability to build strong connections with the athletes he works with. We pride ourselves on providing elite medical care and look forward to the role Matt will play in continuing this high standard.”

A Kentucky graduate, Summers held notable positions there, in the NFL with the Chargers and most recently back at the collegiate level with Louisville.

This is the first move the Bengals have made at the position since February of 1992.