James A. Nicholas.

About James A. Nicholas

James A. Nicholas was an American orthopedic surgeon and a pioneer in the treatment of athletic injuries who was best known for performing four knee operations that saved the career of Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath. Nicholas was among the best-known orthopedic surgeons in the United States as a physician for the New York Jets, the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers. He obtained his undergraduate degree at New York University in 1942 and went to medical school at the Long Island College of Medicine in 1945. In 1973 he established the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan, New York. Nicholas was a long time member of Westchester Country Club. He died of colon cancer at age 85.