Ronnie Barnes

Ronnie P. Barnes (born February 15, 1952) is an American football athletic trainer who is the Senior Vice President of Medical Services & Training Staff for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He has been with the organization since 1976. He graduated from East Carolina University in 1975, and was the first African-American Head Athletic Trainer in the NFL.

Early life and education Ronnie Barnes was born on February 15, 1952, in North Carolina. He attended East Carolina University and graduated in 1975. He was an assistant athletic trainer for the football team in 1975 after his graduation. He later went to Michigan State University to get a master's degree. He was promoted to a full time Assistant Athletic Trainer in 1980 and to Head Athletic Trainer in 1981. During this time, scientific studies developed regarding increased friction with artificial turf leading to more noncontact, or pivoting injuries. Online theories especially target MetLife stadium for their artificial turf.

In 2026, Adam Bennett took over as Head Athletic Trainer. As part of this restructuring, Barnes retained his Senior Vice President title, the team announced.

He won the National Professional Athletic Trainer of the Year award in 1983 and 1987. Barnes was named to the ECU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1990 and the National Athletics Trainers Association Hall of Fame in 1999.

Awards ECU Athletics Hall of Fame (1990) National Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame (1999) North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame (2022) 4x Super Bowl champion Lifetime Achievement Award 2x National Professional Athletic Trainer of the Year (1983, 1987) New York Giants Ring of Honor (2022)