From Left to Right: Dustin Little, Josh Hartman, Steve Antonopulos, Michael Sundeen, and Billy-Joe Voltaire. If you do not acknowledge the unique importance of Greek, then you chronically underestimate the Broncos. 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. That way, we are either working with them or doing administrative work. The longest-tenured employee in Denver Broncos history is hanging them up. Sleeting. 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. A fellow trainer at Fort Hays was Jim Gillen, who later became the head athletic trainer for the Denver Nuggets. Smith runs second-fastest 40 by DL since 03, Saleh compares Carr to Stafford pre-Rams trade, Allen to be ready to roll for offseason program, How to maximize leverage of No. https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/08/denver-broncos-news-steve-greek-antonopulos-retires-as-trainer/, 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. Former Broncos coach Gary Kubiak, who arrived to the Broncos as a rookie . 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.. (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. 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. His career is still going as the team's director of sports medicine. Here are those results. So I called him. Antonopulos treated 983 players who appeared in at least one regular season/playoff game for the Broncos. We had a few of those guys, but he was to the hilt. Longtime Broncos athletic trainer, Director of Sports Medicine Steve but it can also be stressful. pic.twitter.com/uwM5i7YAAm. In the days of the Orange Crush defense, Greek earned a customized can: . 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. The livelihood of their families depend on the high body performance. The elation and what historically happened there for the Broncos was unbelievable., The old Kingdome in Seattle was a great place because of the crowd noise and it was a good place to travel. Included in the Broncos' draft room is trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos, who is working his 41st NFL Draft. If they are working in an NFL medical facility it can be even more. 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. But according to those who know him well, Greeks domain also contains a rare element in the Not For Long professional football league: an endless supply of unsentimental, deep compassion. It was dreary. And then Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City has always been one of my favorites. However, Anthopoulos served as an advance scout for the Greek National Baseball Team for the . Broncos trainer Steve Antonopulos retires after 45 seasons Broncos head trainer Steve Antonopulos, who is in his 40th season with the team, was presented with a painting created by noted artist Gabe Richesson. In all he was on the sideline for 941 games (preseason, regular season and postseason) and worked for 13 different head coaches. It was dreary. It's an annual position that becomes even more demanding during training camp and the season. 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 dont have an exact set deadline on when Im coming back. (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. You have the passion to do it. The Broncos accurate confidence about Gotsis recovery greatly depended on the assessment and follow-through bythe mancalled Greek at the clubs UCHealth Training Center. During his time as a trainer, the Denver Broncos posted a 438-311-1 record. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. I loved the job, loved the place and there would be only one position I would leave there for the Denver Broncos.. From there, we went to Cheers bar and ran into some Denver people and had a couple cold ones. Although not given the recognition they so often deserve, NFL athletic trainers are some of the most important support staff members in any organization. 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. Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson put on a show Saturday at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, making history during his highly anticipated workout. In 2017, Antonopulos was promoted to the teams director of sports medicine, where he oversaw all aspects of the clubs training and rehabilitation process. Ill have to say, back in the day, we always felt we were on the cusp of the concussion stuff. 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. I love my job. The Denver Broncos have leaned toward acquiring injured players during the offseason.Three of the top five draft picks had injuries that prevent them for full athletic participation in the rookie mini camp on May 6-8. 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. Is the job worth the derision? Please logout and login again. Antonopulos called the honor breathtaking.. Sign up for the Broncos Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Broncos honor longtime trainer Steve Antonopulos 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. It paid $25 a week plus room and board, he said with a laugh. Greeks relationship with him was very personal he helped Pat on a lot of different matters, but he was very helpful giving Pat help throughout the season on where his team was at and it was an honest assessment at all times, which was important to Pat.. Our organization wishes him the very best in his retirement. My philosophy was if you do your job and do a good job, theyll get to you. 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' sports medicine director retiring after 45 seasons - AP NEWS 1. @Broncos celebrating head trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos tonight. 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. At the moment, Im just completely thrilled to be a Denver Bronco and I cant wait to get up there. Denver Broncos trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos has retired after 45 years with the franchise, the team announced Monday. Trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos: Through The Years - Denver Broncos Paul Klee: Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos to present Broncos owner Pat There are team physicians, such as head team physician Martin Boublik of Steadman Hawkins Clinic-Denver. It didn't matter if they were a Hall of Famer or an undrafted rookie -- his standard never changed. Through the Years: The illustrious career of Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos That was a tremendous victory in Broncos history. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Denver Broncos: Vic Fangio's funny take on Steve Antonopulos retiring Athletic trainers are witnesses to the magic and myth of extraordinary athletic feats. preseason), 438 total wins, 13 head coaches, 983 players with at least one game appearance. 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. We sincerely thank his wife Susan and the entire Antonopulos family for sharing Greek with us for so many years.. NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. That poor guy. No other NFL trainer has treated a teams general manager, head coach, offensive coordinator and current roster of players. 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. Denver Broncos | PFATS Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos with Jim Gillen talk being head athletic trainers https://t.co/nTFo5XtbrK, R. David Mullin (@RD_Mullin) August 17, 2016. I love the energy required to survive in this game. 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. During the season, Antonopulos would often arrive at the facility around 4 a.m. and stay as late as required. Scissors, tape remover, whirlpools, ultrasound gel, and treatment tables. Steve Antonopulos - Head Athletic Trainer - Denver Broncos - LinkedIn View Steve Antonopulos's record in Limon, CO including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. If youre doing something you love, you dont watch the clock or think about it, he said. An interesting couple days and we had a great time.. 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. 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. The first groups have completed their weigh-ins, measurements, and drills. What is your favorite memory of the Broncos long-time head trainer? Broncos to rename training room for Steve Antonopulos - Denver Broncos His career with the team began in 1976 and spanned all eight of the teams Super Bowl appearances, 10 general managers, and three and a half team owners. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. One moment they move with extraordinary grace, quickness, and power. They see players near impossible athletic feats, creating the illusion of invincibility. * A guy we think can get better and better. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. It is their livelihood, and it hurts to see them be injured and not be able to perform. pic.twitter.com/QngbUDNhEI. 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. He depended on him for help recovering from injuries, advice on health concerns when evaluating players and, often, simply the friendship that they cultivated over . Rainy. Championships are made on practice fields; championships are also made in training rooms and rehab gyms. "Steve Antonopulos is what the Denver Broncos are all about," John Elway aptly summed up on the Broncos' website. My wife deserves this and we need to move on,' Antonopulos told Ryan OHalloran of the Denver Post. Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and trainer Steve Antonopulos had a lifelong The Broncos announced on Monday, June 7, 2021, that Antonopulos will retire after more than three decades as the team's trainer. After the 1980 season, he was elevated to head trainer and split his old salary in half to hire two assistants. Broncos trainer Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos retires after 45-year career The fans are incredible and it was the first of the modern stadiums in the old days. The Broncos will have a new person as the head of their training staff for the first time in a long time. 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. For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. With unmatched dedication and loyalty to the Broncos, Greek became a trusted confidant for so many coaches, staff members and especially Pat Bowlen. He earned the head trainer position in 1979. When I committed to come back for this past season, I told John (Elway), This is it. I have never had a day that I dreaded coming to work. John Elway reflects on Steve Antonopulos' 45 years with the Broncos 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Broncos trainer Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos retires after 45 seasons with Anthopoulos successful career has earned him some luxurious lifestyles and some fancy cars. Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis had this to say about Antonopulos during a phone interview with the Denver Post. 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. The one other was (running back) Rob Lytle back in the day. I was blessed to be a part of the elation of that. 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. How did Antonopulos survive so many regime changes? He is believed to be the longest-tenured trainer with one team in NFL history, and Greek is the only person to be a part of all eight Broncos Super Bowl appearances. 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. After the 1980 season, he was elevated to head trainer and split his old salary in half to hire two assistants. 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. I woke him up. You have to understand he tore the long head of the bicep which is located in the shoulder joint. The Moving can be an exciting experience. Head Athletic Trainer Listen, I really appreciate you calling me. Forty-five years is a long time. The weather was awful. You'll now receive the top Broncos Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. He was named Colorado Sportswriter of the Year in 2019. Manning has "lot of work to do" on neck, but Broncos know Counting players on training camp roster, Steve Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. Odds & lines subject to change. 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. The Broncos will name their training room after Antonopulos. My wife deserves this and we need to move on, Antonopulos said in a phone interview Sunday with The Denver Post. A typical day for me starts at 4 a.m. It wasnt really an injury. We thought it would be (quick). (photos via Broncos photo archive, unless noted) 1 / 24. John Elways pro football career had bookends of torn up body parts. From Left to Right: Dustin Little, Josh Hartman, Steve Antonopulos, Michael Sundeen, and Billy-Joe Voltaire. My wife deserves this and we need to move on, Antonopulos said in a phone interview Sunday with The Denver Post. Greek goes to bed early because he gets here about 4 in the morning or 4:30 in the morning. Steve Antonopulos has been the head trainer for the Broncos ever since. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. The players arrive for treatment at 6:30 a.m., and the player meetings start around 8:15 a.m. We have long-term rehabs while players are in meetings. Antonopulos, 72, whom most everyone with the team and in the league knows simply as "Greek," has been with the Broncos since 1976. Athletic training is also one of the first NFL staff positions to be held by women. I work for a great organization that cares about people. Antonopulos called working for the Broncos a lifes dream., A lot of people say that, but it was the reality for me, he said. Be the first one to comment on this story. Five hours later, John went through everything you could imagine and he ended up vomiting all over the place. Five hours later, John went through everything you could imagine and he ended up vomiting all over the place. Ryan OHalloran covered the Broncos for The Post from 2018-22 and has covered the NFL since 2004. According to the organization, Antonopulos' 45-year tenure is. 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. He is believed to be the longest-tenured trainer with one team in NFL history, and Greek is the. It's spanned 900. "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. There is another player meeting from 3 to 4 p.m. Post practice treatments follow until we are done at approximately 6 p.m. On game day, Greek arrives very early as well. Steve Greek Antonopulos, head trainer for the Denver Broncos, has announced his retirement from the NFL after 45 years with the team. Rick Massie was a receiver from Kentucky. By 1987 he received the NFL/Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS) award for Training Staff of the Year. > Above video: Steve Antonopulos introduces Pat Bowlen at NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony. It didnt matter if they were a Hall of Famer or an undrafted rookiehis standard never changed. Enjoying Sportskeeda's coverage? Broncos athletic trainer Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos retiring after 45 He closed the door and he went nuts again. 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. Longtime head athletic trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos is retiring after 45 years with the club, the team announced Monday. Sleeting. It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. We certainly wouldnt have gone to Cheers had we known it would take that long. We sincerely thank his wife Susan and the entire Antonopulos family for sharing Greek with us for so many years.". San Diego: Head Athletic Trainer Steve Antonopulos glances at the Vince Lombardi Trophy in the locker during the post-game celebration. Here's a list of accomplishments that Steve Antonopulos earned with the Denver Broncos. 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. Their athletic body movements express their identity. Do NFL teams have team nurses? How much do the medical - AS USA 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. Ill always be a Bronco.. I love caring for people. Antonopulos has been an athletic trainer for the Denver Broncos for a total of 941 games. Find contact's direct phone number, email address, work history, and more. 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. Antonopulos, 72, whom most everyone with the team and in the league knows simply as "Greek," has been with the Broncos since 1976. Ill have to say, back in the day, we always felt we were on the cusp of the concussion stuff. Of . Antonopulos grew up in Hugo, Colo., 105 miles southeast of Mile High Stadium. During his 45-year career with the Broncos, Steve Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. Steve Greek Antonopulos, the only person to work for the Broncos during each of their eight Super Bowl appearances, announced Monday he is retiring after 45 seasons of service. Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett spoke with media members on Friday for the first time since his arrest for public intoxication in late January. What a run. 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. Antonopulos spent 45 years with the Denver Broncos and was the athletic trainer to over 1,500 NFL players. Denver Broncos trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos has retired after 45 years with the franchise, the team announced Monday. He served as President of PFATS from 2003 to 2008. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Alex Anthopoulos Net Worth 2022, Salary, Age, Height, Family - Apumone 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. Or does the salary serve as a salve to those wounds? A good trainers room is filled with the mundane, bathed in the light of here-and-now reality. 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. 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.. Steve Antonopulos announced his retirement on Monday. 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. Is hard reset only way to salvage Jets QB dilemma? 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. He was to make $61.8 million after two years with the Colts,. Broncos trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Get to know all 17 Denver mayor candidates , Broncos trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos retires after 45 seasons with franchise, As Broncos wrap up stay at NFL Combine, busy offseason of change churns toward free agency, draft, Broncos check in No. Register now! Your login session has expired. There were 983 players who played at least one regular-season game for the Broncos in his tenure. We sincerely thank his wife Susan and the entire Antonopulos family for sharing Greek with us for so many years. 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. Its just a cool place., Oh boy, a couple of those. Steve Antonopulos reaches out to injured linebacker Nick Greisen in Englewood, Colo., on Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. cant-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right, Players given Kratom by Colorado coach, police say, Skier Shiffrin's quest for 86th win extended after downhill, 77 inches of snow fall at Colorado ski area in 9 days, 'Greek' Antonopulos: Presenting Bowlen for HOF has been emotional time, 'Greek' on man he will present to HOF: 'Mr. For a 2 p.m. start, he comes tothe stadium at 7:30 a.m. 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. 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. Gambling problem? I am an early person, and I learned years ago I need some time by myself before anyone gets here. The Drive was so special. Were on the tarmac going to play San Diego. Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos retires after 45-year Broncos career Counting players on training camp roster, Steve Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. Broncos Athletic Trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos is retiring after 45 seasons with the team. 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. Marshall had several screws to hold together a foot while Travathan had major reconstruction surgery on his knee cap. We had to put him on injured reserve because he couldnt travel. 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. Steve Antonopulos - Head AT - Denver Broncos | ZoomInfo Sign up for the Broncos Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. His motto was defend your desk. And the only way to defend your desk, Antonopulos would say, is to be at your desk. 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.