John Christopher (Chris) Patrick

Class of: 2024

Sport: Athletic Trainer

Team: Florida Gators

Chris Patrick is a highly esteemed Athletic Trainer who provided care for thousands of student-athletes at the University of Florida over his 48-year career there that began in 1970. During that time, he oversaw the expansion of healthcare services from seven original male sports to the current group of 21 male and female sports.  With the implementation of Title IX and women’s sports, he hired the first female Athletic Trainer and helped develop the women’s athletic training support/program and facilities. Known as CP, Patrick is a legendary figure at UF, outlasting four Athletic Directors, six Head Football Coaches, and numerous others in a variety of sports. The Athletic Training Facility at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is named in his honor.  Also while at UF, he worked with Dr. Robert Cade, the inventor of Gatorade, to further refine its flavors, packaging and other creative product development. The SEC established the Chris Patrick Award, an honor given annually to the outstanding athletic trainer in the SEC as chosen by the director of sports medicine at each league’s school. He adds to the recognition of his service as a member of three other Hall of Fames; the National Athletic Trainer’s Association, the Florida Athletic Trainer’s Association, and the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame.