During the past four years, Antonopulos oversaw the Broncos training and medical treatment from on high, leaving Vince Garcia in charge of the day-to-day responsibilities. I woke him up. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. Few peoplenoticed that Smyth also tweeted this on the first day of the NFL draft: https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2016/08/17/steve-greek-antonopulos-is-the-broncos-12th-man/, Greek is nothing short of a consummate professional, reconstructive techniques were not available for Elway, 17 Broncos players set to become unrestricted free agents, 5 players Broncos might consider trading this offseason, 8 players Broncos should let walk during NFL free agency, 5 Broncos players who could become cap casualties this offseason, Broncos want to re-sign free agent LB Alex Singleton, Every time the Broncos have used a franchise tag in the past, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Anthopoulos successful career has earned him some luxurious lifestyles and some fancy cars. When I committed to come back for this past season, I told John (Elway), This is it. Denver Broncos trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos, who has served 45 years in the Broncos organization and was a part of the franchise's three Super Bowl victories, is retiring. Antonopulos forged strong relationships with coaches and players alike and had a particularly close bond with late owner Pat Bowlen, who bought the Broncos in 1984. Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis had this to say about Antonopulos during a phone interview with the Denver Post. In 2017, Antonopulos was promoted to the teams director of sports medicine, where he oversaw all aspects of the clubs training and rehabilitation process. Sleeting. Once I get up to Denver and visit with the team doctors, they can check out my knee and do all of that, and then we can go from there. In this job, Ive always tried to give all I can as a father and grandfather, but its hard because your time is so confined, he said. Steve Antonopulos Head Athletic Trainer at Denver Broncos Parker, Colorado, United States 7 connections Join to connect Denver Broncos University of Northern Colorado Report this profile. Not a member? Tonight, we celebrated head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos. A native of North Dakota and graduate of Kansas State, OHalloran previously covered the Washington Redskins for eight years, primarily at The Washington Times, and the Jacksonville Jaguars for six years at The Florida Times-Union. Steve Antonopulos has accomplished a lot over the past 45 years. Antonopulos service was rewarded in 2019 when the Bowlen family named him as presenter to longtime Broncos owner Pat Bowlen for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He researched the previous seasons hamstring injury sustained by running back Otis Armstrong and put together a treatment/rehabilitation plan to present to Hurst. Is hard reset only way to salvage Jets QB dilemma? The team announced the long-time athletic trainer's retirement on Monday. Of course, Greek does not do this single-handedly. During his time as a trainer, the Denver Broncos posted a 438-311-1 record. After becoming head athletic trainer for the South Metro Fire Rescue in Centennial from 2014-15, Garcia rejoined the Broncos training staff as Antonopulos top assistant in 2016. As the only person in the history of the Broncos to be part of all eight Super Bowls, Greek made a profound impact on this organization. My wife deserves this and we need to move on, Antonopulos said in a phone interview Sunday with The Denver Post. Antonopulos treated 983 players who appeared in at least one regular season/playoff game for the Broncos. Since the former Fort Hays head athletic trainer launched his NFL career, a lot has changed in the sport and in the world of athletic training, but Antonopulos' career had such remarkable longevity because he constantly worked to keep up with updating practices and help shape the evolving field. He was a fixture on our sidelines for the greatest moments in team history, the first person running on the field to care for an injured player and the one who supported them through every step of their recovery. (photos via Broncos photo archive, unless noted) 1 / 24. It was dreary. His influence on this franchise, the athletic training profession and throughout sports is far-reaching, mentoring countless interns and staff who went on to accomplish great things. Download the 9NEWS APPiTunes:http://on9news.tv/itunesGoogle Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. Over the past 45 years, Steve "Greek" Antonopulos has been a welcoming presence in the Broncos' training rooms at the team's practice facilities, home and road stadiums and training camp locales none more so . I never worked a day in my life because I loved what I was doing so much and the organization was so classy. In the playoffs after the 1986 season, the Broncos traveled to Cleveland to win the AFC championship game in overtime, highlighted by The Drive to end regulation. The Broncos will name their training room after Antonopulos. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Steve (Greek) Antonopulos was the first one. In 2005, Greek said: The initial treatment wasicing, compression, and elevation (ICE). He was a fixture on our sidelines for the greatest moments in team history, the first person running on the field to care for an injured player and the one who supported them through every step of their recovery. Vince Garcia, Denvers head athletic trainer, will presumably be a strong candidate to replace Greek. I always thought that might zing me one day.. The Drive was so special. The doctor that gave him the physical was Arthur Pappas, one of the Red Sox owners, and he took us over to Fenway Park and I still have the picture of John and myself at home plate. The Broncos will have a new person as the head of their training staff for the first time in a long time. Your login session has expired. Athletic trainers with little to no experience make just above $30,000 each year, which, in regards to the amount of work and responsibility that athletic trainers have, may not seem like a lot of money. We just really hit it off and it was an opportunity that I had always dreamed about.. He had a fear of flying. With the Broncos, Greek transitioned to specialize in rehabilitation and was promoted to head trainer in 1980. Practice is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. From 1:30 to 3 p.m. we work on post practice treatments. I never worked a day in my life because I loved what I was doing so much and the organization was so classy. He told me after the fact he was going to take a half-hour (for the interview) and be on his way, Antonopulos said. Antonopulos became head trainer in 1979 making him what is believed to be the longest-tenured trainer in NFL history. Genuine compassiondoes not stokepipe dreams but conveys the everyday dignity owed to any man, especially for the players attempting to secure a livelihood for their families to leap from ongoing poverty to sustained prosperity. Could they look to sign a veteran? Denver will rename the training room at UCHealth Training Center the Steve "Greek" Antonopulos Training Room and will recognize the trainer at a home game this season. Greeks retirement is effective immediately. Antonopulos joined the Broncos as assistant athletic trainer in 1976 . Forty-five years is a long time. I just think Pat trusted Greek more than any other employee he ever had working for him, Ellis said. I love the energy required to survive in this game. He served as President of PFATS from 2003 to 2008. A motto for Antonopulos was Defend My Desk., When a new owner or coach was hired, he said: They come in and have 100 things going on and what they dont need is somebody trying to make an appointment and promote themselves. However, Anthopoulos served as an advance scout for the Greek National Baseball Team for the . I thought I would be (at Fort Hays) my whole career, Antonopulos said. General manager John Elway toldDenver Posts Nicki Jhabvala: Elway on Gotsis: "A guy we think has a really high *ceiling. No one cared more about the players than Greek. 2023 NFL Scouting Combine results: Defensive linemen and linebackers. Gambling problem? Found this classic can in hubs stuff. The Broncos had never been to the playoffs and had just two winning seasons before Antonopulos arrived. Its just a cool place., Oh boy, a couple of those. Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTERto getcant-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered righttoyour inbox. 2 / 24. I love being around young people who keep me young. Steve Antonopulos, a.k.a. The fans are incredible and it was the first of the modern stadiums in the old days. And he played the whole game. Steve Antonopulos assists injured QB John Elway at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. on Sunday Jan.12, 1992. The first groups have completed their weigh-ins, measurements, and drills. In Antonopulos second season, the Broncos reached their first Super Bowl, a loss to the Dallas Cowboys. FILE - Denver Broncos trainer Steve Antonopulos, center, talks with staff members during drills at the team's NFL football training camp in Englewood, Colo., in this July 19, 2019, file photo. The best thing is stay in your domain, stay at your desk and work your rear end off.. We had a few of those guys, but he was to the hilt. He closed the door and he went nuts again. At the moment it is week-by-week. It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. For 45 years, athletic trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos has been the epitome of what the Denver Broncos are all about.Greek, there arent words to describe the impact youve had on our organization, and we wish you nothing but the very best in retirement!#ThankYouGreek pic.twitter.com/HAKN6t7S7P. FILE - Denver Broncos trainer Steve Antonopulos, center, talks with staff members during drills at the team's NFL football training camp in Englewood, Colo., in this July 19, 2019, file photo. We certainly wouldnt have gone to Cheers had we known it would take that long. Awesome was Antonopulos longevity in the often-unstable world of the NFL. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. After treating nearly 1,000 different players during the past 45 years, Steve Greek Antonopulos has retired as Broncos trainer. Even before taking his first snap with the Broncos, he tore his left knees ACL in high school. ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA. Antonopulos spent 45 years with the Denver Broncos and was the athletic trainer to over 1,500 NFL players. Less than a decade after winning the Super Bowl MVP he had left knee replacement surgery. He was Bowlen's presenter when Bowlen was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2019. The award is given annually to a NFL trainer who best exemplifies a long-term commitment to the NFL, as well as exemplary performance. He was obviously an astute trainer, but also an arrive-early, leave-late, stay-in-his-lane employee. According to the organization, Antonopulos' 45-year tenure is. I use the time to work out and do administrative tasks. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. With unmatched dedication and loyalty to the Broncos, Greek became a trusted confidant for so many coaches, staff members and especially Pat Bowlen. Antonopulos, 72, started working for the Broncos on St. Patricks Day 1976 as an assistant trainer, was promoted to director of rehabilitation in 80, to head athletic trainer in 81 and was director of sports medicine since 2016. Running back could be a sneaky priority need for the Denver Broncos. His first chance came in the summer of 1969 when trainer Allen Hurst offered him an internship. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. During his tenure, Antonopulos picked up the following accolades: NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award, The National Athletic Trainers Association Athletic Trainer Service Award and the NFL Athletic Training Staff of the Year Award. We congratulate Greek and thank him for a truly remarkable, special run with the Denver Broncos. It is still early in the process. He is also fully practicing. Five hours later, he was driving me 80 miles an hour down I-25 so I could get to the basketball game that night. I loved the job, loved the place and there would be only one position I would leave there for the Denver Broncos.. Its just a cool place., Oh boy, a couple of those. Sleeting. There were 983 players who played at least one regular-season game for the Broncos in his tenure. We always worked with Craig Hospital and the concussion experts and developed our protocols, which are similar to some that are used today. You'll now receive the top Broncos Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. During John Elway's 16-year playing career and his decade leading the Broncos' front office, he was able to rely on Director of Sports Medicine Steve "Greek" Antonopulos for a lot. View Steve Antonopulos's business profile as Head AT at Denver Broncos. Jaguars won't spend big, but here are five players they could target in free agency, The most memorable pre-NFL draft workouts ever: Coaches, scouts, execs make their picks, 2023 NFL franchise tag tracker: Raiders tag Josh Jacobs, the NFL's rushing leader. You have the passion to do it. It wasnt really an injury. Here's a list of accomplishments that Steve Antonopulos earned with the Denver Broncos. For a 2 p.m. start, he comes tothe stadium at 7:30 a.m. You must be logged in to leave a comment. In all those years, I never tried to figure out how many hours I worked.. The next, crippled. His physical was first thing in the morning. After the 1980 season, he was elevated to head trainer and split his old salary in half to hire two assistants. Steve Antonopulos is retiring from the Denver Broncos after 45 years with the team. In July 2016, Antonopulos began the road to retirement when he took on a new role and Vince Garcia was promoted to head athletic trainer. #NGWSD. As a proud native Coloradoan, Greek loved the Broncos and gave everything he had to the job, arriving most days before 4:30 a.m. and keeping that same passion throughout his entire career. Florida's Anthony Richardson, one of the draft's most intriguing QB prospects, told reporters on Friday that in high school he modeled his game after two notable passers: Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson. Their bones, cartilage, and ligaments bear theburden of these familial expectations. Ill always be a Bronco.. And he played the whole game. And these team doctors, for licensed medical doctors they are, can earn in the range of $200,000 and $512,500 per year. Greek goes to bed early because he gets here about 4 in the morning or 4:30 in the morning. His Bronco days started in 1976. It was phenomenal. Antonopulos applied for the job and Hurst reached out to have breakfast in Denver when Fort Hays was coming through town between basketball games at Northern Colorado and Southern Colorado (now CSU-Pueblo). He is the teams 12th man. Athletic trainers are the first on the field when an NFL player is injured, and in the case of a serious injury, they have to use quick decision-making to treat the player immediately. Coach Gary Kubiaks unflappable reaction to the season-ending knee injury of starting defensive end Vance Walker on Tuesday was based on his confidence of the Denver Broncos reserve depth at the position. It was phenomenal. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! Counting players on training camp roster, Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. So I called him. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Applauding him as "an institution with the Broncos for the last 45 years," Denver bid farewell Monday to director of sports medicine Steve Antonopulos, who retired at 72 years old. When I see a player incurring a major injury withering in pain on the field, I am seeing most the emotional agony and fear of uncertainty. "His influence on this franchise, the athletic training profession and throughout sports is far-reaching, mentoring countless interns and staff who went on to accomplish great things. He is the only individual to be part of all eight Broncos Super Bowl runs. Greek was the recipient of the2011 Fain-Cain Memorial Award at the NFL Physicians Society Scientific Annual Meeting. (Coach) Dan Reeves made the decision to have him drive to San Diego for the game. After Greeks retirement was announced, team president/CEO Joe Ellis released the following statement: Steve has been an institution with the Broncos for the last 45 years and became one of the most respected athletic training professionals in all of sports. Although there are many female coaches in the NFL, athletic training and strength and conditioning were among the first positions to be filled by women. Since he started setting up the training room, the Broncos have been to the playoffs 22 times. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Greek watched over the knee helping to make it stronger than most, according to Matt Christopher in his book In the Huddlewith John Elway. All three are full training camp participants. "We congratulate Greek and thank him for a truly remarkable, special run with the Denver Broncos. pic.twitter.com/N8K1CSmUdg, Kami Carmann (@KamiCarmann) August 4, 2016. The livelihood of their families depend on the high body performance. What will the Buffalo Bills do without defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier? Five hours later, John went through everything you could imagine and he ended up vomiting all over the place. Broncos trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos retires after 45 seasons with franchise - The Denver Post Sports NFL Denver Broncos News News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by. It didn't matter if they were a Hall of Famer or an undrafted rookie -- his standard never changed. Learn how your comment data is processed. Antonopulos grew up in Hugo, Colo., 105 miles southeast of Mile High Stadium. ", Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) April 30, 2016. Trainer Antonopulos, a Broncos' 'fixture,' retires, The future of the NFL combine: Is there really a chance it could end forever? He worked 941 total games, during which Denver went 438-311-1 in the regular season/playoffs. Antonopulos, 72, has worked with the Broncos for nearly 50 years, making his the longest career with one team in NFL history. During an interview with The Denver Post, retiring Broncos director of sports medicine Steve Greek Antonopulos was asked for his favorite memories since joining the team in 1976: In October 1977, the Broncos traveled to face the defending Super Bowl champion Oakland Raiders, who had won 17 consecutive games dating back to the previous season. "Steve has been an institution with the Broncos for the last 45 years and became one of the most respected athletic training professionals in all of sports," said team President and CEO Joe Ellis. June 9, 2021 6:00 am MT. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Take a quick 30-second survey to help us deliver the best content around NFL & College Football. I dont have an exact set deadline on when Im coming back. Register now! The Broncos announced on Monday, June 7, 2021, that Antonopulos will retire after more than three decades as the team's trainer. The very best of medical practitioners effortlesslyblend sincere empathy and proficient treatment with their patients. but it can also be stressful. Antonopulos was the longest-tenured employee at the franchise. The fans are incredible and it was the first of the modern stadiums in the old days. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Is the job worth the derision? My wife deserves this and we need to move on,' Antonopulos told Ryan OHalloran of the Denver Post. We were taxing to take off and he just went nuts and jumped out of his seat and was screaming and the pilot pulled up, opened the door and let him get a breath. Rainy. He researched the previous seasons hamstring injury sustained by running back Otis Armstrong and put together a treatment/rehabilitation plan to present to Hurst. He worked under three owners and 10 head coaches and was a part of 22 playoff teams and three Super Bowl champions. As one of six female athletic trainers in the @NFL, Allison Miner is living her dream. The Broncos announced on Monday, June 7, 2021, that Antonopulos will retire after more than three decades as the team's trainer. "It didn't matter if they were a Hall of Famer or an undrafted rookie -- his standard never changed. Steve has been an institution with the Broncos for the last 45 years and became one of the most respected athletic training professionals in all of sports. By Tim Lynch @TimLynch1978 Jun 7, 2021, 8:50am MDT Share this story. Find contact's direct phone number, email address, work history, and more. We had to put him on injured reserve because he couldnt travel. If youre doing something you love, you dont watch the clock or think about it, he said. I have never had a day that I dreaded coming to work. Rather respecting them in their most important roles as sons, brothers, fathers, and husbands. From there, we went to Cheers bar and ran into some Denver people and had a couple cold ones. Watch the Broncos tribute video to Greek, especially Gary Kubiaks words on how much Greek personally means to him: Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos celebrates 40 years of service with the Denver Broncos https://t.co/whCCXn6cFk. We sincerely thank his wife Susan and the entire Antonopulos family for sharing Greek with us for so many years.". Awesome was Antonopulos longevity in the often-unstable world of the NFL. The worst locker room in the NFL to a point where we had to tape our athletes in the bathroom if you could imagine that, the locker room was so small. Instead of cutting the tackle, Denver traded him and gaineda future fifth-round draft pick. Those things are unbelievable and the number of great people and great minds of technology was phenomenal with what you can do for the medical care of football players., Without question, it was our second year here (1984) and he had to go in the offseason to Boston for a Lloyds of London insurance policy. Russell Wilson's salary cap and dead money totals for the next six seasons. There are no set work hours for an athletic trainer in the NFL. I have always respected the fact that Steve is the kind of person that will look you in the eye and tell you what he is thinking and commit to his word. Over that time, Antonopulos worked all eight Super Bowls that the Broncos have appeared in. NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. Please check your email for a confirmation. In Antonopulos second season, the Broncos reached their first Super Bowl, a loss to the Dallas Cowboys. > Above video: Steve Antonopulos introduces Pat Bowlen at NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The Moving can be an exciting experience. Steve Antonopulos has been the head trainer for the Broncos ever since. I just think Pat trusted Greek more than any other employee he ever had working for him, Ellis said. Antonopulos joined the Broncos as an assistant trainer in 1976, became head athletic trainer in 1981 and was promoted to the role of director of sports medicine in 2016. He served as the head football trainer at his alma mater in 2009 before becoming one of Greeks assistant trainers from 2010-13.

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