California State University Northridge Athletics
From Northridge to Melbourne: Steve Grech Brings Concussion Expertise to the NFL
9/15/2026 4:36:00 PM | General
As CSUN's Associate Athletics Director for Health and Wellness and head athletic trainer, Grech oversees sports medicine, nutrition, mental health services and athletic performance for Matador Athletics. He also serves as an athletic trainer spotter covering the NFL's Los Angeles Rams—a role that took him to Melbourne, Australia, for the Rams' Sept. 10 match-up against the San Francisco 49ers.
From the press box, Grech monitored the action for signs of potential head or neck injuries. NFL athletic trainer spotters work alongside team medical staffs and unaffiliated neurotrauma consultants, identifying players who may need immediate evaluation. When necessary, spotters can call a medical timeout or alert officials to remove a player from the game.
The responsibility demands constant focus. Athletic trainers watch for symptoms such as loss of balance, disorientation, a blank or vacant expression, loss of consciousness or a player clutching his head after contact. Under the NFL's concussion protocol, a player suspected of suffering a concussion must leave the field for evaluation and cannot return that day if a concussion is diagnosed.
Grech's NFL work reflects the same commitment to athlete well-being he brings to CSUN. A Matador alumnus who has led the university's sports medicine program since 2005, he continues to help advance a culture in which health and safety remain central to competition—whether the setting is Northridge or a historic NFL game halfway around the world.
"Whether I'm on the sideline at CSUN or in the press box at an NFL game halfway around the world, the responsibility is the same—putting the health and safety of the athlete first," said Grech. "Being able to contribute to the NFL's concussion-spotting program and bring that experience back to our student-athletes at CSUN is both an honor and a responsibility that I take very seriously. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve in both settings and continue learning from each experience."
Grech began serving as an AT spotter for the NFL during Los Angeles Rams home games for the 2016 season. On Oct. 23 of the 2016 season, the Rams played the New York Giants in the first-ever NFL regular-season game played at Twickenham Stadium in London, England.
"I was quite fortunate that my previous work experience helped me become a candidate for the program," he added. "When the Rams moved to Los Angeles, the NFL office contacted me about the need for local specialists and I was happy to apply."
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