I was blessed to be a part of the elation of that. We thought it would be (quick). 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. 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. His 43 years with the Broncos is believed to be the longest tenure by an athletic trainer with one NFL team. They see their players physical and emotional fragility. Enjoying Sportskeeda's coverage? It was phenomenal. Tonight, we celebrated head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos. Before the 2020 season, Steve told John Elway that the 2020-2021 season would be his final one as an athletic trainer. All three are full training camp participants. The best thing is stay in your domain, stay at your desk and work your rear end off.. Players are not treated as replaceable pieces of football productivity. He is believed to be the longest-tenured trainer with one team in NFL history, and Greek is the. 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. Found this classic can in hubs stuff. Broncos president Joe Ellis saidthis to Daniel Petty of the Denver Post about the announcement of owner Pat Bowlens retirement due to Alzheimers in 2014: The night before, I thought of people who were so close to him in the organization and needed to know before the announcement came out the next day. NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. Here are those results. 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. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- After a career that spanned 45 years with the Denver Broncos, director of sports medicine Steve Antonopulos has retired. And then Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City has always been one of my favorites. Rather respecting them in their most important roles as sons, brothers, fathers, and husbands. I just think Pat trusted Greek more than any other employee he ever had working for him, Ellis said. Of course, Greek does not do this single-handedly. And he played the whole game. Awesome was Antonopulos longevity in the often-unstable world of the NFL. Sleeting. Less than a decade after winning the Super Bowl MVP he had left knee replacement surgery. Denver will also honor Steve Antonopulos at one of their home games during the 2021 season. No one cared more about the players than Greek. Broncos' longtime trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos promoted to Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! The weather was awful. He served as the head football trainer at his alma mater in 2009 before becoming one of Greeks assistant trainers from 2010-13. Alex Anthopoulos Net Worth 2022, Salary, Age, Height, Family - Apumone Over that time, Antonopulos worked all eight Super Bowls that the Broncos have appeared in. When I committed to come back for this past season, I told John [Elway], This is it. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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. If they are working in an NFL medical facility it can be even more. pic.twitter.com/N8K1CSmUdg, Kami Carmann (@KamiCarmann) August 4, 2016. 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. June 9, 2021 6:00 am MT. How did Antonopulos survive so many regime changes? 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. Instead of cutting the tackle, Denver traded him and gaineda future fifth-round draft pick. "A great, great guy, as well as a great ambassador.". Steve Antonopulos assists injured QB John Elway at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. on Sunday Jan.12, 1992. I thought I would be (at Fort Hays) my whole career, Antonopulos said. My wife deserves this and we need to move on,' Antonopulos told Ryan OHalloran of the Denver Post. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. And these team doctors, for licensed medical doctors they are, can earn in the range of $200,000 and $512,500 per year. Probably the most loyal employee the team has had and will ever have, Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis said in a phone interview. Through the Years: The illustrious career of Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos 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. Vince Garcia, Denvers head athletic trainer, will presumably be a strong candidate to replace Greek. In 2017, Antonopulos was promoted to the teams director of sports medicine, where he oversaw all aspects of the clubs training and rehabilitation process. Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos is the Broncos' 12th man We had a few of those guys, but he was to the hilt. 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. What a run. 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. 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. Longtime head athletic trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos is retiring after 45 years with the club, the team announced Monday. Rick Massie was a receiver from Kentucky. According to the organization, Antonopulos' 45-year tenure is believed to be the longest ever spent with a single NFL team. 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. Is hard reset only way to salvage Jets QB dilemma? From there, we went to Cheers bar and ran into some Denver people and had a couple cold ones. Forty-five years is a long time. 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. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. I was blessed to be a part of the elation of that. Greek does sustained hard work with players that benefits in indirect ways. Here's a list of accomplishments that Steve Antonopulos earned with the Denver Broncos. It was dreary. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- After a career that spanned 45 years with the Denver Broncos, director of sports medicine Steve Antonopulos has retired. He was named Colorado Sportswriter of the Year in 2019. A look at Steve "Greek" Antonopulos' 41 years as the Broncos' head athletic trainer. pic.twitter.com/6YiWPEJddX, David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) February 8, 2016. It was embarrassing, the whole concept. An interesting couple days and we had a great time.. 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. During the season, Antonopulos would often arrive at the facility around 4 a.m. and stay as late as required. The best thing is stay in your domain, stay at your desk and work your rear end off.. During his time as a trainer, the Denver Broncos posted a 438-311-1 record. Although not given the recognition they so often deserve, NFL athletic trainers are some of the most important support staff members in any organization. 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.. No other NFL trainer has treated a teams general manager, head coach, offensive coordinator and current roster of players. After the 1980 season, he was elevated to head trainer and split his old salary in half to hire two assistants. Its just a cool place., Oh boy, a couple of those. He was obviously an astute trainer, but also an arrive-early, leave-late, stay-in-his-lane employee. Denver Broncos longtime trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos retired Monday after 45 years with the team. In 2005, Greek said: The initial treatment wasicing, compression, and elevation (ICE). We had to put him on injured reserve because he couldnt travel. 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. Denver Broncos: Vic Fangio's funny take on Steve Antonopulos retiring 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. Denver's tale of the tape under Antonopulos: 941 total games (incl. 'Defend My Desk' How did Antonopulos survive so many regime changes? Bowlen was football first, business second'. That way, we are either working with them or doing administrative work. The Broncos had never been to the playoffs and had just two winning seasons before Antonopulos arrived. It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. Elways competitive drive helped him work through the mental challenges of rehabilitation. Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson is "fired up" to work with Washington's new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Of . A unique choice for a unique owner: Why the Bowlen family chose Steve 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. Visit NFL.com's transaction hub for a daily breakdown. Jiminy Christmas, Im humbled; what an awesome thing, he said. Steve "Greek" Antonopulos, the Broncos' director of sports medicine, is entering his 44th season with the team. "the Greek" and considered by many of his peers as tops in his profession, has worked for coaches Red Miller, Dan Reeves, Wade Phillips and Mike Shanahan as the Bronco. With unmatched dedication and loyalty to the Broncos, Greek became a trusted confidant for so many coaches, staff members and especially Pat Bowlen. I loved the job, loved the place and there would be only one position I would leave there for the Denver Broncos.. We certainly wouldnt have gone to Cheers had we known it would take that long. Five hours later, John went through everything you could imagine and he ended up vomiting all over the place. The Moving can be an exciting experience. He worked 941 total games, during which Denver went 438-311-1 in the regular season/playoffs. His salary is around $10 million and his main source of income is from his career as a business executive. Russell Wilson's salary cap and dead money totals for the next six seasons. 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. 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. Antonopulos was the longest-tenured employee at the franchise. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. 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. Marshall had several screws to hold together a foot while Travathan had major reconstruction surgery on his knee cap. The team announced the long-time athletic trainer's retirement on Monday. It's an annual position that becomes even more demanding during training camp and the season. Broncos trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos retires after 45 seasons with He embodies the principles of the Fain-Cain Award, and he continues to impact all of those who have been around him. That was a tremendous victory in Broncos history. His first chance came in the summer of 1969 when trainer Allen Hurst offered him an internship. Running back could be a sneaky priority need for the Denver Broncos. He had a fear of flying. The next, crippled. Director of Operations Bill Horpel is hidden behind the trophy against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998. Antonopulos became head trainer in 1979 making him what is believed to be the longest-tenured trainer in NFL history. Denver Broncos | PFATS 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. At the moment it is week-by-week. "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. That poor guy. Take a quick 30-second survey to help us deliver the best content around NFL & College Football. His first chance came in the summer of 1969 when trainer Allen Hurst offered him an internship. It is still early in the process. It was embarrassing, the whole concept. His motto was defend your desk. And the only way to defend your desk, Antonopulos would say, is to be at your desk. Antonopulos joined the Broncos as assistant athletic trainer in 1976 . Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos with Jim Gillen talk being head athletic trainers https://t.co/nTFo5XtbrK, R. David Mullin (@RD_Mullin) August 17, 2016. 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. Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos retires as Denver Broncos' head trainer 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. 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. 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I am an early person, and I learned years ago I need some time by myself before anyone gets here. We thought it would be (quick). 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. Broncos' long time trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos retires On April 28, moments after the selection of Gotsis, the Broncos draft headquarters was ecstatic, as tweeted by public relations vice president Patrick Smyth: Broncos GM John Elway, HC Gary Kubiak & DL coach Bill Kollar celebrate selection of DT Adam Gotsis in 2nd rd. I love the challenges that are presented each day. During the season, Antonopulos would often arrive at the facility around 4 a.m. and stay as late as required. 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. My philosophy was if you do your job and do a good job, theyll get to you. "Greek" is in his 41st year with the #Broncos! The Broncos will name their training room after Antonopulos in a move CEO Joe Ellis called a no-brainer given his long run with the franchise. I use the time to work out and do administrative tasks. Athletic trainers have one of the more important jobs on a professional sports team, especially in the NFL. A good trainers room is filled with the mundane, bathed in the light of here-and-now reality. By Tim Lynch @TimLynch1978 Jun 7, 2021, 8:50am MDT Share this story. Their athletic body movements express their identity. And he played the whole game. After the 1980 season, he was elevated to head trainer and split his old salary in half to hire two assistants. He worked under three owners and 10 head coaches and was a part of 22 playoff teams and three Super Bowl champions. It was dreary. I told him that, and he said. Anthopoulos successful career has earned him some luxurious lifestyles and some fancy cars. Broncos' sports medicine director retiring after 45 seasons - AP NEWS Quarterback Mike White said he'd like to return to the New York Jets, but knows it might not happen as he heads toward free agency. We went a day early and went to see the Celtics play the Bulls. 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. Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis told Ryan OHalloran of The Denver Post, Broncos free agent profile: Dalton Risner, Broncos give behind-the-scenes look at the NFL combine. He closed the door and he went nuts again. Tedious repetitions of arm pulls and leg lifts. 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.. 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. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Like Antonopulos, Garcia got his bachelors degree from Northern Colorado. Mercedes-Benz Stadium. I have never had a day that I dreaded coming to work. "We congratulate Greek and thank him for a truly remarkable, special run with the Denver Broncos. For me I want to be back early August, September, ready to go 100 percent, full go. 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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. He was to make $61.8 million after two years with the Colts,. Antonopulos called the honor breathtaking.. For a 2 p.m. start, he comes tothe stadium at 7:30 a.m. Adhesive bandages, electrodes, ice bags, and kinesiology tape. 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. My wife deserves this and we need to move on, Antonopulos said in a phone interview Sunday with The Denver Post. He is also fully practicing. Antonopulos grew up in Hugo, Colo., 105 miles southeast of Mile High Stadium. Steve Antonopulos - Address & Phone Number | Whitepages I love the relationships I have developed over the years. In Antonopulos second season, the Broncos reached their first Super Bowl, a loss to the Dallas Cowboys. 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. You must be logged in to leave a comment. Celebrating 40 years of service On August 3, the Broncos organization came together to . 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. pic.twitter.com/uwM5i7YAAm. Learn how your comment data is processed. Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos retires after 45-year Broncos career Counting players on training camp roster, Steve Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. John Elways pro football career had bookends of torn up body parts. Our organization wishes him the very best in his retirement. 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.. Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and trainer Steve Antonopulos had a lifelong It is their livelihood, and it hurts to see them be injured and not be able to perform. By 1987 he received the NFL/Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS) award for Training Staff of the Year. General manager John Elway toldDenver Posts Nicki Jhabvala: Elway on Gotsis: "A guy we think has a really high *ceiling. Be the first one to comment on this story. Antonopulos has been an athletic trainer for the Denver Broncos for a total of 941 games. As one of six female athletic trainers in the @NFL, Allison Miner is living her dream. @Broncos celebrating head trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos tonight. 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. Download the 9NEWS APPiTunes:http://on9news.tv/itunesGoogle Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n. When the Broncos open training camp next month, Antonopulos wont be on the sidelines for the first time since 1975. He worked 941 total games, during which Denver went 438-311-1 in the regular season/playoffs. I woke him up. It didnt matter if they were a Hall of Famer or an undrafted rookiehis standard never changed. That was a tremendous victory in Broncos history. 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. Our organization wishes him the very best in his retirement. > Top stories curated daily just for you! Counting players on training camp roster, Steve Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. Interior linebackers Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan had uncertain futures going into the 2015 season. Six of Pat Bowlen's children and presenter Steve Antonopulos at the longtime Broncos owner's inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.
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