THE HILL | Alabama A&M University assistant athletic trainer Stephone Baker received the call of a lifetime just hours before the calendar flipped to January as he was selected to work the Panini Senior Bowl, one of the premier postseason all-star events in college football and a critical evaluation opportunity for NFL Draft prospects.
 
"I put my application in to be selected and kind of forgot about everything because it was a long process," Baker said. "I found out right before the start of the new year and am very excited to represent Alabama A&M University at the Senior Bowl."
 
The prestigious selection places Baker among an elite group of medical professionals chosen to work directly with some of the nation's top collegiate football players as they prepare for the next level. The Panini Senior Bowl annually draws extensive attention from NFL scouts, coaches, executives, and media, making it one of the most visible platforms in the draft evaluation process.
 
As an athletic trainer at the Senior Bowl, Baker will be responsible for providing comprehensive sports medicine coverage, including injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation throughout practices, meetings, and game-day activities. The role requires close collaboration with NFL coaching staffs, league personnel, and fellow medical professionals, all while operating in a fast-paced, high-performance environment.
 
"This opportunity allows me to work directly with top NFL Draft prospects while showcasing my professional skills on a national stage," Baker said. "The Senior Bowl represents the highest level of pre-draft competition, and being selected is both an honor and a responsibility I take very seriously."
 
Baker's selection reflects his reputation for excellence, professionalism, and dedication to athlete care. His presence at the Panini Senior Bowl not only highlights his individual achievements in the athletic training profession, but also positions him at the forefront of sports medicine during one of football's most important evaluation events.
 
The Panini Senior Bowl will take place on Saturday, January 31 in Mobile, Ala., and will be televised nationally, providing Baker with invaluable exposure while contributing to the health, safety, and performance of future NFL players.
 
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