December, 2024
MONTGOMERY – Dr. James Andrews, world-renown orthopedic surgeon and iconic sports figure, will be the recipient of the 2023 Alabama Football Legend award, presented by Regions Bank, in conjunction with the Camellia Bowl.
Dr. Andrews will receive the award at the Alabama Football Legend luncheon, on Friday, Dec. 22 at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Montgomery.
“Early on when in practice with Dr. Hughston, I began taking care of teams and athletes in Alabama and I was so impressed with the high-level of talent in Alabama’s elite athletes,” Dr. Andrews said. “I developed a genuine passion to use my talents in orthopedics and sports medicine to help athletes across the state to be able to achieve their dreams in sports through prevention of injuries and injury recovery. I am deeply honored to be able to accept the Alabama Football Legend Award, presented by Regions Bank.”
Andrews’ areas of special interest include sports medicine, knee injuries, arthroscopy, and shoulder and elbow injuries in throwing athletes.
“We are pleased and honored to recognize the career and accomplishments of Dr. Andrews, one the most recognizable figures, not only in our state, but the entire sports world,” Johnny Williams, the Executive Director of the Camellia Bowl, said.
The list of Andrews’ patients is a virtual who’s who in the sports world. Some of his more notable patients include Bo Jackson, Charles Barkley, Roger Clemens, Jack Nickalus, Michael Jordan, Drew Brees, John Smoltz, Triple H, Brett Favre, Marcus Lattimore and Adrian Petersen.
Dr. Andrews founded Andrews Sports Medicine in Birmingham, and he also has served as the Chairman of the Board and Medical Director of the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) in Birmingham since 1986.
Dr. Andrews also founded the Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze, Fla., and he also served as the President and Chairman of the Board at Andrews Research and Education Foundation in Gulf Breeze since 2005.
Andrews has also served as the Orthopedist for Auburn University, The University of Alabama, and Tuskegee University.
He served in the same capacity for the Washington Commanders, Tampa Rays and the LPGA.
Andrews was also a part of 2008 USOC Olympic delegation in Beijing, China.
He has had numerous appointments on national committees, academic appointments, editorial boards.
He has also received numerous awards and honors for his orthopedic work and community service.
Dr. Andrews earned his bachelor’s degree and attended medical school at LSU. He won the SEC championship in pole vaulting as a member of Tigers Track and Field team.
He completed his residency at Tulane School of Medicine, including a one-year rotation with the legendary Dr. Jack Hughston in Columbus, Ga.
He had two fellowships at the University of De Lyon in France and the University of Virginia.
At De Lyon, he was tutored by Dr. Albert Trillat in knee surgery and athletic injuries.
At Virginia, he studied hand surgery and athletic medicine under Dr. Frank C. McCue, III, the team physician for the University of Virginia.