On the Sideline and Beyond, Auburn Tigers Athletes Trust Andrews Sports Medicine Physicians to Keep Them Healthy, Strong, and Game-Ready Always
On the sideline and behind the scenes, Auburn Tigers football is fueled not only by the strength, speed, and determination of its athletes but also by the tireless commitment of the medical professionals who ensure those athletes are healthy, resilient, and ready to perform at their peak. As the 2025 season kicks off with excitement across Auburn, the spotlight shines not only on the players sprinting into Jordan-Hare Stadium but also on the team of Andrews Sports Medicine physicians whose expertise, care, and dedication make those performances possible. Auburn football is a program built on tradition, intensity, and unshakable pride, but sustaining greatness on the field requires more than playbooks and practice—it requires an intricate network of health, rehabilitation, and proactive care, and Andrews Sports Medicine has become an indispensable part of that story.
At the heart of Auburn’s medical team is Dr. Benton Emblom, the head team orthopaedic surgeon. Now entering his second season leading Auburn’s orthopaedic care, Dr. Emblom brings a steady hand and sharp vision to the Tigers. His leadership embodies what Auburn athletes need most: experience in navigating the high stakes of collegiate football and an unwavering dedication to each player’s well-being. The game of football is unforgiving. From the trenches on the offensive line to the electrifying speed of wide receivers racing downfield, every snap presents a risk of injury. When that moment comes, having someone like Dr. Emblom, who has seen it all and knows the delicate balance between recovery and return-to-play, gives Auburn’s roster confidence. His presence is not just about surgery or rehabilitation; it’s about trust. Players and coaches alike know that their best interests are safeguarded by a physician who understands both the human body and the heart of Auburn football.
Standing alongside Dr. Emblom is Dr. Charles Pitts, Jr., whose expertise as an orthopaedic surgeon and foot and ankle specialist adds another layer of precision to Auburn’s athlete-focused care. Football, perhaps more than any other sport, demands incredible performance from the feet and ankles. From quick cuts to sudden bursts of acceleration, these joints bear relentless stress, and one misstep can derail a season. That is why having Dr. Pitts is so critical. His reputation for meticulous treatment and athlete-centered approaches ensures that Auburn’s players have the best chance not only to heal but also to regain the explosiveness that makes them game changers. A player’s career, whether in college or at the professional level, can pivot on how well a foot or ankle injury is managed. Dr. Pitts embodies Auburn’s philosophy of never leaving anything to chance. His role underscores how Auburn’s health and performance ecosystem is engineered to give every player the opportunity to be their best self on the field.
This season also introduces fresh energy to the Auburn sidelines with Dr. Tyler Teurlings, the ASMI orthopaedic sports medicine fellow. Bringing both innovation and youthful perspective, Dr. Teurlings contributes to the team with the latest advancements in sports medicine research and a passion for athlete performance. For Auburn, this means the integration of cutting-edge methods that complement the established expertise of Dr. Emblom and Dr. Pitts. In a game that is constantly evolving, where speed and physicality reach new heights every year, Auburn’s medical team adapts as well. Dr. Teurlings represents the next generation of care, where fresh eyes and modern knowledge enhance Auburn’s already exceptional medical foundation. His presence is a reminder that Auburn is committed not only to tradition but also to innovation, making sure the Tigers are equipped with the best possible resources for the future.
While the Andrews Sports Medicine physicians anchor Auburn’s orthopaedic and surgical care, they work hand-in-hand with Auburn’s core Sports Medicine staff. Dr. Michael Goodlett, the Athletics Chief Medical Officer and Head Team Physician, provides overarching leadership and guidance in every aspect of Auburn athletics health. His role as both strategist and caretaker ensures that medical decisions are not made in isolation but with a comprehensive view of athlete health across all Auburn programs. Alongside him is Dr. Jos Edison, the associate team physician, who provides consistent, reliable medical oversight and contributes to the continuity of care that is essential when managing the unpredictable nature of athletic injuries. Together, their combined presence ensures Auburn athletes have a network of physicians who bring knowledge, collaboration, and genuine compassion to the program.
Equally vital to Auburn’s athlete health is Robbie Stewart, the head football athletic trainer. Stewart, certified as an ATC, is the bridge between the players and the medical team. On a daily basis, he is often the first responder, the one who assesses injuries as they happen, guides players through rehabilitation exercises, and provides encouragement during the long, demanding process of returning to the field. Athletic trainers like Stewart rarely get the same recognition as coaches or players, yet their work is indispensable. For Auburn football, Stewart is not just a trainer but also a trusted mentor who helps athletes manage the emotional toll of injuries as much as the physical ones. His leadership in the training room reflects Auburn’s holistic approach: caring for the entire athlete, body and mind.
Beyond these leaders, Auburn’s medical and performance ecosystem is powered by a deep roster of associate team physicians, athletic trainers, and physical therapists who devote themselves to the Tigers. This collective effort is what allows Auburn football to thrive in one of the most demanding conferences in college sports. Every ankle taped, every rehab plan personalized, every decision to rest a player or clear them for competition—all of it reflects a shared mission of keeping Auburn athletes healthy and competitive. The synergy between Andrews Sports Medicine and Auburn Sports Medicine staff is not just a professional relationship but a partnership rooted in a common goal: ensuring that Auburn athletes not only compete but also excel at the highest level.
From the training room to Jordan-Hare Stadium, the presence of Andrews Sports Medicine is felt in countless ways. When fans cheer from the stands, they see touchdowns, sacks, and spectacular plays, but behind those moments are hours of medical attention, recovery sessions, and preventative care that make it all possible. Every season brings its share of challenges, whether it’s the inevitable sprains, fractures, or the more complex injuries that can alter careers. What makes Auburn unique is the way these challenges are met head-on with collaboration, expertise, and a genuine care for the athletes. In the SEC, where the margin between victory and defeat can be razor thin, Auburn’s medical team provides an edge that cannot be measured on a scoreboard but is nonetheless critical to every win.
Andrews Sports Medicine, long recognized as a leader in orthopaedic and sports care, takes pride in this partnership with Auburn. Their physicians are not simply doctors on the sideline; they are part of the Auburn family, invested in the program’s success and the personal journeys of its athletes. They celebrate the triumphs of players returning from injury, they share in the disappointment when setbacks occur, and above all, they provide the care that allows Auburn’s players to step onto the field with confidence. For the athletes, knowing that world-class physicians are dedicated to their well-being means they can push themselves without hesitation, focusing entirely on the game and their performance.
As Auburn charges into the 2025 season, fans can be confident that their team is not only prepared strategically and athletically but also supported by one of the finest medical teams in college sports. The partnership with Andrews Sports Medicine represents the best of both worlds: elite athletic performance paired with elite medical care. This is what gives Auburn its resilience, its capacity to rebound, and its ability to compete against the toughest opponents in the country.
So as the roars echo through Jordan-Hare and the Auburn Tigers set their sights on another memorable season, it is worth remembering the quiet heroes who make it possible. Behind every highlight reel moment, behind every roar of the crowd, there is a team of physicians, trainers, and therapists who work tirelessly to ensure the athletes wearing orange and blue remain healthy, strong, and game-ready. They may not score touchdowns or make tackles, but they are as much a part of Auburn’s success as any player or coach. Andrews Sports Medicine, together with Auburn’s Sports Medicine staff, is proud to help the Tigers keep soaring, one healthy athlete at a time.
