Lack of Injuries Key for Arizona Cardinals

The NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals have been remarkably injury-free for the last two seasons. Last week an article at azcentral.com highlighted the impact of the team’s off-season program, their dedicated training staff and last year’s addition of physical therapist Brett Fischer:

… there is no ignoring the fact that a lack of injuries has played a large part in the Cardinals success over the past two seasons.

In 2008, not one starter finished the year on injured reserve. That trend has held this season, although starters have missed games here and there.

Coaches and players said a variety of factors have contributed to the Cardinals’ good health: the off-season program conducted by John Lott, the strength and conditioning coach; a sensible training camp with a minimal amount of hitting; and players investing time and money for extras, such as stretching coaches and massages.

“Part of it is how we operate in training camp, as far as understanding the toll it takes on our players’ bodies,” coach Ken Whisenhunt said. “And a large part of it is the dedication to the off-season program. I strongly believe in a strength and conditioning during the off-season, during training camp and even during the season.

Whisenhunt credits Lott, athletic trainer Tom Reed and his staff, and the addition last season of physical therapist Brett Fischer.

Inside linebacker Karlos Dansby said he learned early in his career that “you have to take care of your body.

“After practice a lot of guys go to different places and make sure they get their bodies taken care of. People to help them stretch, get massages. All kinds of stuff.”

“You look at the injury list for a lot of teams on a weekly basis, and we feel very fortunate,” Whisenhunt said.

Read the full story at azcentral.com. Photo from AZCardinals.com.