Korey Stringer

Keeping Every Athlete, Laborer, and Warfighter Safe

The mission of the Korey Stringer Institute (KSI) is to provide research, education, advocacy and consultation to maximize performance, optimize safety and prevent sudden death for the athlete, warfighter and laborer.

Why We Do What We Do

Action from Tragedy

In August 2001, Korey Stringer, a Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman, passed away from exertional heat stroke. During Korey’s five-year tenure in the NFL, he earned pro-bowl honors. Since the time of Korey’s death, his wife, Kelci, worked tirelessly to develop an exertional heat stroke prevention institute to honor her husband’s legacy. To that end, she joined forces with exertional heat stroke expert Douglas Casa, Ph.D, ATC at the University of Connecticut to make this dream a reality and the institute came to fruition in April 2010.

The Korey Stringer Institute is housed at UConn's College of Agriculture Health, and Natural Resources where internationally recognized faculty from the Department of Kinesiology and external partners conduct cutting-edge research and harness preeminent expertise in the areas of heat and hydration, injury prevention, and strength and conditioning to make a difference for athletes, laborers, and warfighters everywhere.

Kelci Stringer posing in front of Korey Stringer's framed jersey

One day, I was standing in my closet, and I said ‘Well, someone has to do something.’ Before I could finish the sentence, I realized that somebody was me.
- Kelci Stringer

Upcoming Events

Guarantee Entry to the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon by Joining the KSI Team

KSI charity team runners receive guaranteed entry to the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon while raising funds to support the Korey Stringer Institute.

Join the Team

Join the KSI Team at the 2025 BMW Berlin Marathon

KSI charity team runners receive guaranteed entry to the 2025 BMW Berlin Marathon while raising funds to support the Korey Stringer Institute.

Join the Team

Outreach & Education

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