He has been recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors seven times for his work. Antonopulos joined the Broncos as assistant athletic trainer in 1976 . We sincerely thank his wife Susan and the entire Antonopulos family for sharing Greek with us for so many years.". That was a tremendous victory in Broncos history. In announcing the retirement of the man everyone called Greek, the Broncos said he treated 980 different players in the regular season and playoffs. Sleeting. Steve Antonopulos gave the Denver Broncos 45 incredible years as their athletic trainer, having trained the likes of Peyton Manning and Shannon Sharpe, among others. One moment they move with extraordinary grace, quickness, and power. Of . No one cared more about the players than Greek. 20 in NFLPA ranking of clubs based on locker rooms, food service, travel and more, From DreMont Jones and DeShawn Williams to mining the mid-rounds, DL a big offseason work area for Broncos, Broncos podcast: New coaching staff, impressions from NFL Scouting Combine, Sean Payton very excited to have Vance Joseph as Broncos DC after four years in Arizona, Colorado property owners to face astronomical tax increases next year, After School Satan Club launching first Colorado chapter, but organizer promises "we are not devil worshippers", PHOTOS: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band play Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado landlords say eviction-protection proposal could make dropping problem renters too hard, 5 can't-miss menus for Denver Restaurant Week, No more greasy pizza boxes, paper towels or takeout containers in Front Range compost bins come April 1, After teen's death, Denver East High students walk out to advocate for gun legislation, Boulder house where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Metro Denver housing market crosses firmly into negative territory in February, Kiszla: With Brendan Rodgers down and out, Kris Bryant could become $182 million face of worst team in Rockies history, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. The Moving can be an exciting experience. The Broncos announced on Monday, June 7, 2021, that Antonopulos will retire after more than three decades as the team's trainer. 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. San Diego: Head Athletic Trainer Steve Antonopulos glances at the Vince Lombardi Trophy in the locker during the post-game celebration. Not only did the club pick up Gotsis in the draft, but the Broncos chose running back Devontae Booker, who recently had two surgical procedures on a torn meniscus. That poor guy. #NGWSD. Broncos' Athletic Trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos is retiring after 45 seasons with the team. Antonopulos, 72, whom most everyone with the team and in the league knows simply as "Greek," has been with the Broncos since 1976. Rather respecting them in their most important roles as sons, brothers, fathers, and husbands. We went a day early and went to see the Celtics play the Bulls. 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. 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, known as "Greek," has retired from his position as athletic trainer for the Denver Broncos after 45 years with the team. Jiminy Christmas, Im humbled; what an awesome thing, he said. Antonopulos started with the Broncos as an assistant athletic trainer in 1976, became the team's director of rehabilitation in 1979 and was hired as Denver's head athletic 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. Five hours later, he was driving me 80 miles an hour down I-25 so I could get to the basketball game that night. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Allen called me the first week of July. His first chance came in the summer of 1969 when trainer Allen Hurst offered him an internship. Denver's tale of the tape under Antonopulos: 941 total games (incl. The Dallas Cowboys will place the franchise tag on running back Tony Pollard if the two sides cannot reach a long-term deal before March 7's deadline, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday, per sources. Greek goes to bed early because he gets here about 4 in the morning or 4:30 in the morning. He closed the door and he went nuts again. I love the relationships I have developed over the years. He worked 941 total games, during which Denver went 438-311-1 in the regular season/playoffs. Jiminy Christmas, Im humbled; what an awesome thing, he said. Athletic training is also one of the first NFL staff positions to be held by women. They see their players physical and emotional fragility. Longtime head athletic trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos is retiring after 45 years with the club, the team announced Monday. Steve (Greek) Antonopulos was the first one. View Steve Antonopulos's record in Limon, CO including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. Greek watched over the knee helping to make it stronger than most, according to Matt Christopher in his book In the Huddlewith John Elway. Counting players on training camp roster, Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett spoke with media members on Friday for the first time since his arrest for public intoxication in late January. There were 983 players who played at least one regular-season game for the Broncos in his tenure. My philosophy was if you do your job and do a good job, theyll get to you. By 1987 he received the NFL/Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS) award for Training Staff of the Year. He was very straight forward, he was very honest and he was a really good communicator in that he has a good bedside manner in a position where that is obviously required.. After the 1980 season, he was elevated to head trainer and split his old salary in half to hire two assistants. Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos with Jim Gillen talk being head athletic trainers https://t.co/nTFo5XtbrK, R. David Mullin (@RD_Mullin) August 17, 2016. For instance, his work with offensive tackle Ryan Clady transformed what would have been dead salary cap money into transferable salary through Cladys trade to the New York Jets. 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. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! Kentucky's Will Levis, a likely top-10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, spoke Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine and -- in under 15 minutes -- presented himself as arguably the most self-assured QB in this year's class. And then Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City has always been one of my favorites. 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. "It didn't matter if they were a Hall of Famer or an undrafted rookie -- his standard never changed. A look at Steve "Greek" Antonopulos' 41 years as the Broncos' head athletic trainer. It wasnt really an injury. The first groups have completed their weigh-ins, measurements, and drills. @Grindin_59 never saw this happening: https://t.co/62EHR6aweP pic.twitter.com/2ns3HQOWc3. 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. Antonopulos treated 983 players who appeared in at least one regular season/playoff game for the Broncos. Denver Broncos trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos has retired after 45 years with the franchise, the team announced Monday. 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. John Elways pro football career had bookends of torn up body parts. He was obviously an astute trainer, but also an arrive-early, leave-late, stay-in-his-lane employee. Instead of cutting the tackle, Denver traded him and gaineda future fifth-round draft pick. Players are not treated as replaceable pieces of football productivity. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). During his 45-year career with the Broncos, Steve Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. It was phenomenal. With unmatched dedication and loyalty to the Broncos, Greek became a trusted confidant for so many coaches, staff members and especially Pat Bowlen. 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. Professional athletic trainers are required to be certified so that they can diagnose injuries and determine treatment plans for injuries. It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. During the season, Antonopulos would often arrive at the facility around 4 a.m. and stay as late as required. Marshall had several screws to hold together a foot while Travathan had major reconstruction surgery on his knee cap. He was special the way he handled it., The continued advancement of therapeutic exercises and the concussion protocols and the NFL hiring medical liaisons has been crucial in advancement of doing things the right way. Its just a cool place., Oh boy, a couple of those. 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. Here are his assistants at Super Bowl 50 in February: Congrats to @broncos and the athletic training staff. Forty-five years is a long time. The Broncos will have a new person as the head of their training staff for the first time in a long time. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. Hes been here north of 37 years, and every day, Mr. Bowlen started his day, by parking in the garage, coming up through the steps and stopping by Greeks office and chatting with him. What is your favorite memory of the Broncos long-time head trainer? Since it happened in 1978,reconstructive techniques were not available for Elway. Find contact's direct phone number, email address, work history, and more. Their athletic body movements express their identity. Could they look to sign a veteran? Rick Massie was a receiver from Kentucky. I thought I would be (at Fort Hays) my whole career, Antonopulos said. No one cared more about the players than Greek. He got $26.4 million without playing a down for the Colts last year 32 percent more than his first-year salary with the Broncos. April 12, 2017 at 10:38 a.m. Greek was the recipient of the2011 Fain-Cain Memorial Award at the NFL Physicians Society Scientific Annual Meeting. Ryan OHalloran covered the Broncos for The Post from 2018-22 and has covered the NFL since 2004. Ill have to say, back in the day, we always felt we were on the cusp of the concussion stuff. Over that time, Antonopulos worked all eight Super Bowls that the Broncos have appeared in. His first chance came in the summer of 1969 when trainer Allen Hurst offered him an internship. (photos via Broncos photo archive, unless noted) 1 / 24. Antonopulos has been an athletic trainer for the Denver Broncos for a total of 941 games. An interesting couple days and we had a great time.. Among his career accolades are the Fain-Cain Memorial Award (2011), an honor bestowed to trainer who exemplifies long-term commitment to the NFL, the NFL/PFATS Athletic Training Staff of the Year Award (1987), the National Athletic Trainers Association Athletic Trainer Service Award (1996) and the NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award (2006). And he played the whole game. I never worked a day in my life because I loved what I was doing so much and the organization was so classy. ", Broncos coach Vic Fangio said following Monday's OTA practice: "45 years of service to one organization is unheard of in the NFL, and that speaks volumes to his competency and the value he brought to this organization over such a long period of time.". He is also fully practicing. A Hugo, Colorado, native, Antonopulos began his career with the Broncos as an assistant trainer in 1976. "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. 20 in NFLPA ranking of clubs based on locker rooms, food service, travel and more, Sean Payton very excited to have Vance Joseph as Broncos DC after four years in Arizona, Broncos HC Sean Payton hiring Northwestern assistant Lou Ayeni as RB coach, sources say, Brought to you by Prairie Mountain Publishing, Weld judge sentences Greeley man to 60 years for October 2020 murder, Fusco Pizza is a love letter to all things Greeley, Friday's Class 1A-3A regional/state hoops tournament roundup: Platte Valley girls begin quest for third consecutive title, Windsor girls switch to rarely used 2-3 zone en route to win over Mead in quarterfinals of 5A playoffs, Weld and Larimer counties retail food inspection reports, Greeley, Weld County Death Notices for March 3, 2023, Trial delayed for suspect in Investments of Windsor scam, Johnstown fisherman reels in the catch of a lifetime while traveling to Texas for son's junior hockey tournament, Weld RE-1 School District honored for commitment to nursing mothers on staff, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. We certainly wouldnt have gone to Cheers had we known it would take that long. Like Antonopulos, Garcia got his bachelors degree from Northern Colorado. 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. Here's a list of accomplishments that Steve Antonopulos earned with the Denver Broncos. At the moment, Im just completely thrilled to be a Denver Bronco and I cant wait to get up there. 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. Steve Antonopulos has been the head trainer for the Broncos ever since. We had a few of those guys, but he was to the hilt. Antonopulos joined the Broncos as assistant athletic trainer in 1976 and retired in 2021 as the teams director of sports medicine. 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). 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. 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. As he would watch games with his father and neighbors, he would say to himself, Someday, somehow, someway, Im going to work for the Denver Broncos.. Allen called me the first week of July. 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. (Kicker) Jim Turner caught a (25-yard) touchdown pass on a fake field goal (from holder Norris Weese) and (linebacker) Tom Jackson went over and gave the bird to (coach) John Madden. Interior linebackers Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan had uncertain futures going into the 2015 season. 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. According to the organization, Antonopulos' 45-year tenure is. The Broncos will name their training room after Antonopulos. 2023 NFL Scouting Combine results: Defensive linemen and linebackers. 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. Jun 07, 2021 at 08:45 AM. It was phenomenal. What will the Buffalo Bills do without defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier? Antonopulos, who called Bowlen the ultimate owner, was selected by the Bowlen family in 2019 to present Pat at the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction. A native of Hugo and graduate of the University of Northern Colorado, Antonopulos first joined the Broncos in 1976 as assistant trainer to Allen Hurst. 1 draft pick, Report: Derek Carr wants $35 million per year, The Raiders are the betting favorites to land Aaron Rodgers, Mike McCarthy: Kellen Moore wants to light the scoreboard up, I want to run the damn ball, Arrest warrant issued for Jalen Carter for reckless driving, racing, ESPN reiterates report that Lamar Jackson wants a fully-guaranteed deal, Aaron Rodgers says hell make a decision soon enough, Competition Committee begins to explore the quarterback push play, Players say Chiefs discourage them from reporting injuries, have NFLs worst training staff, Bryce Young is just over 5-10 and 204 pounds. The Raiders plan to place the franchise tag on running back Josh Jacobs if the sides cannot come to a deal on a long-term extension by Tuesday's deadline, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Friday. Pat Bowlen's family has chosen Steve "Greek" Antonopulos to serve as the owner's presenter at the Hall of Fame . View Steve Antonopulos's business profile as Head AT at Denver Broncos. It is their livelihood, and it hurts to see them be injured and not be able to perform. Your login session has expired. Or does the salary serve as a salve to those wounds? Steve Greek Antonopulos, head trainer for the Denver Broncos, has announced his retirement from the NFL after 45 years with the team. General manager John Elway toldDenver Posts Nicki Jhabvala: Elway on Gotsis: "A guy we think has a really high *ceiling. Anthopoulos successful career has earned him some luxurious lifestyles and some fancy cars. 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. 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. We thought it would be (quick). "Greek" is in his 41st year with the #Broncos! The Broncos accurate confidence about Gotsis recovery greatly depended on the assessment and follow-through bythe mancalled Greek at the clubs UCHealth Training Center. Scissors, tape remover, whirlpools, ultrasound gel, and treatment tables. The fans are incredible and it was the first of the modern stadiums in the old days. Head Athletic Trainer The Broncos announced Wednesday that longtime trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos has been promoted to the team's director of sports medicine, where he will oversee all. More Videos Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTERto getcant-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered righttoyour inbox. 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. pic.twitter.com/MB6he9cRUp, Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 4, 2016. He has the respect of the players that he has cared for over the years, and that is the reason many of them will call to ask his advice even after they have left the organization. They required him to go there for a physical. With unmatched dedication and loyalty to the Broncos, Greek became a trusted confidant for so many coaches, staff members and especially Pat Bowlen. Listen, I really appreciate you calling me. There are team physicians, such as head team physician Martin Boublik of Steadman Hawkins Clinic-Denver. 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. "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. The Denver Broncos hired Steve Antonopulos as their assistant trainer in 1976. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. He took a year off from football, resuming play without an ACL for the remainder of his career. Probably the most loyal employee the team has had and will ever have, Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis said in a phone interview. You must be logged in to leave a comment. Sign up for the Broncos Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. You'll now receive the top Broncos Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. Bowlen was football first, business second'. AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. I was making good money on the highway and going to college. ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA. If you dont have passion, you are in the wrong field. In 2005, Greek said: The initial treatment wasicing, compression, and elevation (ICE). | . XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? His physical was first thing in the morning. I just think Pat trusted Greek more than any other employee he ever had working for him, Ellis said. 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. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Trainer Antonopulos, a Broncos' 'fixture,' retires, The future of the NFL combine: Is there really a chance it could end forever? Toward the end Elways ripped bicep. 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 . In the days of the Orange Crush defense, Greek earned a customized can: . In my mind -- like I told him the other day -- I don't think he's retired. We had to put him on injured reserve because he couldnt travel. I loved the job, loved the place and there would be only one position I would leave there for the Denver Broncos.. Greek has four assistants and many intern athletic trainers. Antonopulos called working for the Broncos a lifes dream., A lot of people say that, but it was the reality for me, he said. Example video title will go here for this video. Then in 1996 he received National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) Athletic Trainer Service Award, and in 2006 Greek was given the NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award. Five hours later, John went through everything you could imagine and he ended up vomiting all over the place. Be the first one to comment on this story. The next, crippled. Steve Antonopulos announced his retirement on Monday. Broncos to rename training room for Steve Antonopulos, honor him at a Broncos game. Greek was there to give head coach Mike Shanahan continual updates as he worked to treat TDs migraine. Denver Broncos headlines, game previews and interviews with our 9NEWS insider Mike Klis. Steve "Greek" Antonopulos, the Broncos' director of sports medicine, is entering his 44th season with the team. Sleeting. That way, we are either working with them or doing administrative work. Vince Garcia, Denvers head athletic trainer, will presumably be a strong candidate to replace Greek. The Broncos will name their training room after Antonopulos. He is the only individual to be part of all eight Broncos Super Bowl runs. Denver will also honor Steve Antonopulos at one of their home games during the 2021 season. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott's cap hit might be rising in 2023, but owner Jerry Jones believes his quarterback has the ability to bridge the gap in any talent the roster might lose because of it. A good trainers room is filled with the mundane, bathed in the light of here-and-now reality. pic.twitter.com/QngbUDNhEI. My philosophy was if you do your job and do a good job, theyll get to you. Former Broncos coach Gary Kubiak, who arrived to the Broncos as a rookie . Antonopulos, 72, has worked with the Broncos for nearly 50 years, making his the longest career with one team in NFL history. Included in the Broncos' draft room is trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos, who is working his 41st NFL Draft. We went a day early and went to see the Celtics play the Bulls. Antonopulos and his wife, Susan, have a blended family of five kids and seven grandkids and will split their time between homes in Limon., and Tucson, Ariz., and driving their RV to visit family. I just think Pat trusted Greek more than any other employee he ever had working for him, Ellis said. It was pretty much a no-brainer when somebody puts in that amount of time, Ellis said. NFL/PFATS Athletic Training Staff of the Year Award, The National Athletic Trainers Association Athletic Trainer Service Award, NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award. pic.twitter.com/VZ4LHDGcb7, Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) April 30, 2016. Professional football players endure incessant chronic pain in the playing days and beyond. For a 2 p.m. start, he comes tothe stadium at 7:30 a.m. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. 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. Past and current players including Peyton Manning and Von Miller . Broncos director of sports medicine Steve Antonopulos has been selected by the family of owner Pat Bowlen to present him at the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony Aug. 3 in Canton, Ohio. Greek in his own words,as told to the Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers: The worst part of the job is seeing players devastated by being injured. When the Broncos open training camp next month, Antonopulos wont be on the sidelines for the first time since 1975. Counting players on training camp roster, Steve Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. Former Broncos coach Gary Kubiak, who arrived to the Broncos as a rookie quarterback in 1983 and spent well over two decades with the franchise himself, has joked that Antonopulos was with the Broncos before the orange and blue in the uniforms. He had a fear of flying. The weather was awful. 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 long time trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos retires, Horse Tracks: Potential Broncos Cap Casualties in 2023, 3 players the Broncos should consider cutting to make more cap room for the 2023 free agent class.