Dean Kleischmidt, former New Orleans Saints head athletic trainer, was one of the recipients for this year’s Awards of Excellence by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Kleinschmidt spent 31 years working for the Saints, starting in 1969 as an assistant athletic trainer. He was promoted to head athletic trainer in 1971 at age 23 and was the youngest person to hold that position in the NFL.
“He’s been my mentor when I was doing athletic training, he’s been a friend, a close friend, for now 50 years,” said Saints executive director of administration Jay Romig. “He’s a tremendous person and is so well-deserving to (be honored by) the Professional Football Hall of Fame.”
Kleinschmidt is also a member of the Louisiana Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame, the National Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame, the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame and the Southeastern Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame.
“He’s played a big part in the history of football, football in this area and wherever he’s been,” Romig said.
The Awards of Excellence, first given out in 2022, recognize assistant coaches, athletic trainers, equipment managers, film/video directors and public relations personnel who have made major contributions to the game. The Hall of Fame itself does not take part in the nomination process.
