Dr. Maroon received an athletic scholarship to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana where as an undergraduate, he was named a Scholastic All-American in football. Dr. Maroon has successfully maintained his personal athletic interests through participation in 9 marathons and more than 72 Olympic-distance triathlon events. However, his greatest athletic accomplishment is his participation in 8 Ironman triathlons (Hawaii – 1993, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2013; Canada – 1995; New Zealand – 1997; Germany – 2000), where he usually finishes in the top 10 of his age group. Recently, in July 2012 and 2013, he finished second and third, respectively, in his age group in the Muncie, Indiana half Ironman triathlon. In October 2013 he completed his 5th World Championship Ironman in Kona, Hawaii.Drs. Joseph Maroon and Mark Lovell Honored at Chuck Noll Foundation’s Inaugural Legends Unite Event
(Pittsburgh, PA – November 19, 2024) – The Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury
Research celebrated an electrifying evening of innovation, legacy, and inspiration as it
honored two trailblazing legends at its inaugural Legends Unite event. With an audience
packed with former Pittsburgh Steelers greats, influential donors, and leading scientists,
the Foundation proudly presented its first-ever “Legends of Excellence” Award to Dr.
Joseph C. Maroon and Dr. Mark Lovell—visionaries whose groundbreaking work has
reshaped the landscape of player safety.
Dr. Maroon, a world-renowned neurosurgeon and Chairman of the Foundation’s
National Science Advisory Committee, has been instrumental in advancing
neuroscience, serving as a Neurological Consultant for the Pittsburgh Steelers and
WWE, while also holding the distinguished title of Heindl Scholar in Neuroscience.
Teaming up with Dr. Lovell, an internationally acclaimed concussion expert and
founding director of the Sports Concussion Program at UPMC, the duo co-created the
ImPACT Test—a transformative tool in diagnosing and managing brain injuries, fulfilling
a vision originally inspired by legendary Steelers coach Chuck Noll.
Dr. Mark Lovell
“Recognizing the individuals at the forefront of brain injury research is at the heart of
what this Foundation stands for,” said Chuck Noll Foundation Chairman Art Rooney II.
“Dr. Maroon and Dr. Lovell are not just pioneers; they’ve fundamentally changed how
we approach player safety and brain health, from the NFL and NHL to school sports and
everyday activities. Their work has saved lives and set the standard for excellence.”
Dr. Maroon, in accepting the award said, “Coach Chuck Noll challenged us to come up
with objective data to know when a player is actually safe to return to play. His foresight
set us on the path to better diagnosis and treatment of brain injuries.” Maroon concluded by saying how honored he was to receive the award.
“This could only happen in Pittsburgh,” said Dr. Mark Lovell, referring to the city’s leadership in brain injury research. “In addition to the creation of the ImPACT test, which has now reached 25 million tests on athletes of all levels, UPMC’s concussion center
sees over 20,000 concussed patients from across the country each year.” Lovell added, “This award means a great deal to me for the part I may have played in player safety.” The evening marked a celebration of achievements, a call to action, and a tribute to Coach Chuck Noll’s legacy of excellence and innovation. With the “Legends of Excellence” Award now established, the Chuck Noll Foundation is set to inspire and recognize future trailblazers dedicated to advancing brain health and safety.
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Press release courtesy of the the Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research. The CNF was founded to honor the legacy of legendary Steelers coach Chuck Noll, the Foundation is committed to advancing research, education, and treatment in the field of brain injury and concussion prevention. For more information, visit www.chucknollfoundation.org.