CALGARY – The 41st Annual 5th Quarter Dinner recognized retiring team physician Dr. Nick Mohtadi with the Football Distinguished Alumni Award.

While not a University of Calgary Dinos football alumnus, the award may be given to someone who has provided exceptional leadership and devotion to the program. Dr. Mohtadi definitely meets that criteria, becoming just the third non-alumnus to receive the honour.

Dr. Mohtadi will retire at the end of June 2026, leaving behind a lasting legacy with the University of Calgary football program.

Dr. Nick Mohtadi has been with the Dinos football program since 1991. Widely regarded as one of the top orthopedic surgeons in North America, the Dinos football program has been fortunate to have him as part of the sports medicine staff.  He not only serves as a surgeon, but also as a mentor to those in the sports medicine profession. A familiar presence on the sidelines for more than three decades, Dr. Mohtadi has consistently ensured Dinos student-athletes receive the highest level of care, regardless of the time of year or, in many cases, the time of day.

During his tenure, Dr. Mohtadi has worked alongside five Dinos head coaches: Peter Connellan, Tony Fasano, Blake Nill, Wayne Harris, and current head coach Ryan Sheahan. Each has expressed deep respect for his expertise, professionalism, and commitment to student-athlete welfare.

"This award for Dr. Mohtadi is more than well-deserved after his amazing career. We are forever grateful and fortunate to have a man of his calibre as part of our program," stated Sheahan.

"Dr. Nick" as he is known to many, was the team Doctor for the 1995 and 2019 National Championship teams, 12 Hardy Cup Championships and five teams that were Mitchell or Uteck Bowl Champions. He is known for his excellent rapport with players, coaches, and staff he works with. Even after players graduate from the program, alumni, whether they played professionally or not, still inquire about Dr. Mohtadi. 

"I have always had a passion for the football team. I have enjoyed working with the coaches and players and am now dealing with my second generation of players," said Dr. Mohtadi, who received the Connellan TEAM Award in 2023. "The relationship with the coaches and players is one of mutual respect, and I have brought that to my practice."

An accomplished athlete in his own right, Dr. Mohtadi was a former professional tennis player who competed in men's doubles at Wimbledon. He attended Oklahoma City University on a tennis scholarship before returning to Calgary to complete his medical degree at the University of Calgary's Cumming School of Medicine.