University of Montana graduate student Audrey Missildine is back on the sidelines for Griz football games after completing a nearly six-week internship with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills over the summer in Upstate New York. As part of her final year in the Athletic Training Program at UM, Missildine participated in training camp at St. John Fisher University in Rochester and the team’s facility in Buffalo during the preseason.
“The experience reinforced my desire to pursue a career in athletic training,” she commented, excited to apply the skills she learned with the Bills to her work with the Grizzlies.
During her internship, Missildine gained valuable hands-on experience treating players, thanks to the highly competitive selection process through the Professional Football Athletic Training Society, followed by submitting her resume to all 32 NFL teams. Once chosen by the Bills, she lived with the team during training camp and shared memorable moments with players outside the professional setting, often while providing treatment.
Evenings were filled with camaraderie as Missildine and her fellow interns treated players while engaging in video games and card games in the residence hall. “Those interactions made them feel more like normal people to me,” she recounted.
Culminating her internship, Missildine worked on the sidelines during the Bills’ final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, assisting injured players and ensuring proper hydration. Although the atmosphere at Highmark Stadium was thrilling, with over 70,000 fans cheering, she noted that the core responsibilities of her role remained similar to experiences in Montana.
“Ultimately, it was just another football game,” she reflected, comparing it to her prior experiences in high school and college settings.
The internship represents a significant opportunity within UM’s Athletic Training Program, where students are expected to gain practical experience. The program is structured over five years, combining undergraduate and graduate studies, with first-year graduate students working with Griz Athletics and high school teams. More advanced students like Missildine can choose their clinical rotations and remain with a team year-round.
Mitch Willert, coordinator of clinical education for the program, emphasized the importance of offering students such opportunities, noting that their experiences enrich the entire department, bringing fresh perspectives to faculty and fellow students alike.
Despite the demanding 12 to 14-hour shifts, Missildine took the chance to explore Upstate New York, visiting local attractions and even taking a boat tour to Niagara Falls.
Originally from Yelm, Washington, Missildine has always been involved in sports but admits she had never watched a Bills game before. However, this NFL season will be different for her. “I’m definitely going to tune in; I have connections with some players and look forward to seeing their progress,” she said.
Overall, Missildine found her internship experience highly valuable, crediting her training at UM for her preparedness and confidence. “The program really set me up for success,” she stated, having learned everything she needed before starting her role with the Bills.