With 32 years of total NFL experience, Sam Ramsden begins his 26th year with the Seahawks in 2024 and his fourth in the role of VP of Player Performance. His responsibilities include overseeing the comprehensive medical support professional football players receive on gameday. By collaborating with various departments such as strength & conditioning, athletic medicine, sport science and nutrition, Ramsden's efforts help in identifying risk factors and implementing strategies to prevent injuries. In addition, Ramsden is charged with facilitating the integration of advanced technologies and research into player health programs leading to optimized training regimens. The use of emerging technologies and sport science data allows for informed decisions that guide and enhance both player performance and durability. Ramsden's expertise in physical rehabilitation plays a crucial role in helping injured players recover more effectively. Quick and thorough recovery processes ensure that players return to the field in optimal condition, reducing the likelihood of re-injury. Sam plays a pivotal role in educating players on the importance of self-care, including proper nutrition, hydration, sleep, and injury prevention techniques, is crucial for maintaining health throughout the season. As a conduit to the head coach and general manager, Ramsden's role in communicating the health, availability, and readiness of players ensures that the team can make strategic decisions about the roster. This includes managing player load during practices and games to maintain peak performance levels throughout the season. Ramsden also served as the infection control officer (ICO) for the team during the Covid-19 pandemic from 2020-22. Originally, Ramsden joined the Seahawks as an associate athletic trainer in February of 1999. He was promoted to head athletic trainer in 2004 and was responsible for coordinating the overall healthcare provided for the Seahawks players and staff. Before Seattle, he served six seasons with the Green Bay Packers as an assistant athletic trainer and was a member of the Super Bowl XXXI championship team. As a student athletic trainer at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Ramsden worked with several intercollegiate sports teams before joining the Packers staff. He received a bachelor's degree in physical education with an emphasis in athletic training from the La Crosse school in 1992. A La Crescent, Minn. native, he and his wife, Lisa, have two sons, Henry and Lachlan.
