Tag: Jim Zorn (2008-2009)

Washington’s Bubba Tyer honored by Pro Football Hall of Fame

Washington’s legendary former trainer receives a big honor.

Former Washington Redskins and Commanders trainer Lamar “Bubba” Tyer is becoming a recipient of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence for the class of 2023.

Tyer spent 37 years in the Washington organization; in 25 of those years, Tyer was the head athletic trainer. He retired in 2009.

Tyer’s service began with the Washington Redskins in 1971 when the team’s headquarters was in Herndon. During his career, he served under head coaches George Allen (1971-77), Jack Pardee (1978-80), Joe Gibbs 1981-92), Richie Petitbon (1993), Norv Turner (1994-200) and Marty Schottenheimer (2001).

Then in 2002, he moved to serve as a front-office administrator, retired and was inducted into the franchise’s Ring of Fame at FedExField in 2003. However, when Joe Gibbs returned, Tyer rejoined “Coach Joe” as Washington’s Director of Sports Medicine. He served with Gibbs (2004-07) and Jim Zorn’s first season 2008, before retiring in January 2009.

When the Washington Football Team lost its head trainer in 2021, Ryan Vermillion, due to a criminal investigation, resulting in his being placed on administrative leave on Oct. 4, 2021, the team, in desperate need with several injuries, contacted Tyer, still retired. He rose to the occasion, volunteered and served the remainder of the season.

The 17 recipients for 2023 will be recognized by the Pro Football Hall of Fame with an evening reception on June 28. There will also be an awards luncheon the following day, which will be hosted by Dan Fouts, the former San Diego Chargers HOF quarterback.