SHU Athletic Training Alum Interns for Two NFL Teams

Jordan Velez works with players returning from surgery

Sacred Heart University alum Jordan Velez ’18, a graduate of SHU’s athletic training program, is working on his second internship with the National Football League (NFL). He completed a summer athletic training internship with the New England Patriots in 2017 and is now a seasonal physical therapy intern for the Cleveland Browns.

Velez’s work primarily focuses on return-to-play rehabilitation. He also preps for day-to-day operations within the athletic training room and coordinates within the multidisciplinary team of the Browns organization, which includes strength and conditioning, football operations and more.

Velez’s schedule changes depending on whether the team is playing or not, but he described a typical day as starting around 6 a.m., when he sets up for the morning lifting session, and ending with treatments after a team meeting at 6 or 7 p.m. Despite the long days, Velez has thoroughly enjoyed his internships with the NFL and knows he has great experience and knowledge to bring to the workforce.

“To be able to say I have worked and learned at the highest level and with elite athletes is a huge advantage and privilege,” said Velez. “It shows my ability to work in a demanding, professional environment.”

Velez completed several clinical rotations when he was a SHU student. His first was during his sophomore year with SHU club sports, where he covered practices and games. During his junior year, he worked alongside athletic trainers at New Canaan High School. His senior year clinical rotation was with SHU’s Division I men’s hockey team.

Velez said no matter the setting, SHU always provided him with the support he needed. He believes he would not be where he is today without Sacred Heart.

“All you need to do is ask for help at SHU,” he said. “At a small school, it is best to take advantage of the one-on-one attention from faculty and staff, as it is always available.”

Velez was a student ambassador and a member of the men’s wrestling team during his freshman and sophomore years at SHU. He transitioned junior year to men’s club rugby and played with the team his senior year as well.

After graduating from SHU, Velez earned his master’s degree in sports management from Florida State University in 2020, completing a graduate assistantship. He earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Stony Brook University in 2023.

Once Velez completes his internship with the Cleveland Browns, he aims to continue applying his skills working for a professional sports team.

Photo: Alum Jordan Velez on the field with the Cleveland Browns during a game against the Tennessee Titans in September.