The world of sports medicine, the New England Patriots, and the broader medical community were struck by the heartbreaking news of the passing of Dr. Mark Price, a highly respected and deeply admired physician, on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Dr. Price’s passing marks the end of a life dedicated to service, care, and excellence, leaving an indelible mark on those he helped, treated, and inspired. His death came after a valiant and courageous battle with cancer, which he fought with the same resolve and tenacity that defined his career.
At 54, Dr. Mark Price had become synonymous with excellence in sports medicine and was regarded as one of the leading orthopedic surgeons in the country, specializing in the treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. His role as the chief team physician and medical director for the New England Patriots, a position he had held since 2016, was only a part of his broader legacy, which included not only his contributions to the world of professional sports but also his decorated military service and his dedication to his patients at Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine. His loss is felt across multiple communities—from NFL locker rooms to military ranks to the halls of Harvard Medical School, where his journey in medicine first began.
Dr. Price’s professional achievements were vast and spanned across various realms of his career. His expertise and dedication in the field of sports medicine played a critical role in ensuring the health and performance of the athletes under his care. Having taken over as the New England Patriots’ head team physician and medical director in 2016, Dr. Price played a pivotal role in the franchise’s success during his tenure, contributing to two Super Bowl championships and helping countless players recover from injuries that might otherwise have derailed their careers. His role was more than just managing injuries—he was a central figure in ensuring the overall health and wellness of the team’s athletes, guiding them through complex recovery protocols and ensuring their peak performance on the field. His colleagues and players praised his meticulous attention to detail, deep medical knowledge, and his caring approach to every case he handled.
Dr. Price’s contribution to the Patriots’ success during his tenure is hard to overstate. In an industry where physical performance is paramount and where injuries can dramatically alter the trajectory of a team, having a medical professional of Dr. Price’s caliber was an undeniable asset. His ability to address complex injuries while also providing ongoing care and prevention strategies meant that the Patriots consistently had some of the best medical care in the league. His presence in the locker room was as much about trust and camaraderie as it was about medicine—players, coaches, and staff alike leaned on him not only for his expert medical care but for his supportive and reassuring demeanor.
Beyond his impact on professional football, Dr. Mark Price’s career was deeply tied to his commitment to service, as exemplified by his role as a captain in the United States Navy Reserves. He served his country with honor and distinction, receiving the prestigious Bronze Star Medal for his actions during combat operations in Afghanistan. His military service was a source of great pride and reflected his deep sense of duty and responsibility to his country and his fellow servicemen and women. The military community, like the medical and athletic communities, mourns the loss of one of its own, a man who understood the value of sacrifice, service, and dedication in every facet of his life.
In his capacity as an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Price’s work was not limited to the Patriots or even the world of sports. His role at Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine was where he contributed some of his most important and impactful work. Here, he helped everyday individuals, weekend warriors, and professional athletes alike, offering the same level of care and expertise to all his patients. Known for his specialization in sports injuries, Dr. Price treated conditions that spanned a wide range of complexity, from knee and shoulder injuries to ligament tears and other musculoskeletal problems. His patients have long lauded him for his clinical skill, his thoughtful bedside manner, and his ability to communicate complex medical information in a way that was both reassuring and easy to understand. He was not only a brilliant surgeon but also an educator, often mentoring younger physicians and contributing to the broader medical community through research, lectures, and ongoing education.
Dr. Price’s journey in medicine began at one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, Harvard Medical School, where he received his medical degree. From there, he went on to complete his training in orthopedic surgery, refining his skills and expanding his knowledge in the field of sports medicine. His time at Harvard laid the foundation for a career that would see him become one of the leading figures in his specialty. Over the years, he developed a reputation for both his surgical prowess and his ability to innovate within his field, constantly seeking out the latest advancements in sports medicine and applying them to his practice. This commitment to staying at the cutting edge of his profession made him a sought-after physician for professional athletes, but it also meant that his patients at Mass General received the same world-class care.
As news of Dr. Price’s death spread, tributes began pouring in from all corners. Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft released a heartfelt statement, expressing his profound sadness at the loss of a man who had become an integral part of the Patriots’ family. Kraft highlighted Dr. Price’s contributions to the team, both on and off the field, and emphasized the deep respect and admiration that everyone within the organization had for him. “Dr. Price’s contributions to the health and well-being of our players were invaluable,” Kraft said, “and his commitment to excellence was evident in every aspect of his work. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.”
Players also took to social media to share their memories and express their sorrow. Many spoke about Dr. Price’s kindness and the personal attention he gave to each player, regardless of their role on the team. For many, Dr. Price was not just their physician but also a trusted confidant who helped them through some of the most difficult moments of their careers. Former and current Patriots players recalled his steady presence during surgeries, his encouragement during rehabilitation, and the support he offered both on and off the field. It is clear that his loss will be felt deeply by the players he treated and the team he supported with such dedication.
Dr. Price’s passing is a reminder of the personal battles that even the most accomplished individuals face. Though he was renowned for his strength and resilience in his professional life, cancer proved to be an opponent that even this formidable man could not overcome. His fight against the disease was marked by the same courage and determination that defined his career, and those who knew him best say that he remained committed to his work and his family throughout his illness. His ability to continue serving his patients and his team, even as he battled cancer, is a testament to the extraordinary character of the man.
In the days following Dr. Price’s death, there will be numerous tributes to his life and work, as the communities he touched come together to celebrate the legacy he leaves behind. His family, friends, colleagues, and patients will no doubt take comfort in the knowledge that Dr. Price’s contributions to the fields of sports medicine, military service, and healthcare will continue to impact lives for years to come. While his death leaves a significant void, his legacy of service, dedication, and care will endure, providing inspiration to those who continue to follow in his footsteps.
As the Patriots and the broader Boston medical community mourn the loss of Dr. Mark Price, his memory will remain a beacon of excellence in the field of sports medicine and beyond. He was a man whose life was defined by service to others—whether on the battlefield, in the operating room, or on the sidelines of an NFL game. His work will continue to inspire those who strive to improve the health and well-being of others, and his legacy will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
Funeral arrangements and the release of Dr. Mark Price’s obituary will be announced at a later date. As his family, friends, and colleagues prepare to say their final goodbyes, they do so with the knowledge that the impact of Dr. Price’s life will continue to be felt for many years to come. His legacy will live on in the lives he saved, the athletes he treated, and the people he inspired.
