John D. "Jack" Rockwell was born in Seattle, Washington, on December 18, 1925. He served as Sergeant in World War II, earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star in the Battle of the Bulge. Upon returning to his native Washington, Rockwell attended junior college in Bremerton. Afterwards, he attended the University of Kansas, graduating with a degree in physical therapy.
From 1952 to 1960, Rockwell was the head athletic trainer at the University of Colorado. In 1960, he was hired as the head athletic trainer for the St. Louis football Cardinals. He would remain in that position through the 1970 season.
In 1968, Rockwell succeeded William "Pinky" Newell as the Executive Secretary of the National Athletic Trainers' Association. Rockwell would remain in that position until being superseded by Otho Davis, in the new position of Executive Director, in 1971.
After leaving the Cardinals, Rockwell would work for Johnson & Johnson. He would also be heavily involved with the U.S. men's basketball team and the U.S. gymnastics team. Rockwell would work at several Olympic Games. Later in his career he worked with the LPGA.
Elected to the NATA Hall of Fame in 1977, Rockwell would pass away on October 22, 2007.
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