He is the teams 12th man. All three are full training camp participants. Antonopulos called the honor breathtaking.. Yet behind closed doors they respond to the ordinary, commonplace maladies of bruises, lacerations, soft tissue tears, and broken bones. Anthopoulos successful career has earned him some luxurious lifestyles and some fancy cars. 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. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. 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. 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. If they are working in an NFL medical facility it can be even more. 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. His physical was first thing in the morning. 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. The Moving can be an exciting experience. 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. And these team doctors, for licensed medical doctors they are, can earn in the range of $200,000 and $512,500 per year. When I committed to come back for this past season, I told John (Elway), This is it. 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 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 gave the Denver Broncos 45 incredible years as their athletic trainer, having trained the likes of Peyton Manning and Shannon Sharpe, among others. Its just a cool place., Oh boy, a couple of those. Before the 2020 season, Steve told John Elway that the 2020-2021 season would be his final one as an athletic trainer. 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.. In honor of his impact & dedication these last 45 years, were naming the training room after Steve Greek Antonopulos. 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 was to make $61.8 million after two years with the Colts,. Scissors, tape remover, whirlpools, ultrasound gel, and treatment tables. Although not given the recognition they so often deserve, NFL athletic trainers are some of the most important support staff members in any organization. Athletic trainers often work more than 12 hours a day and are required to travel with the team for away games and/or training camp. 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. If you do not acknowledge the unique importance of Greek, then you chronically underestimate the Broncos. Steve Antonopulos is retiring from the Denver Broncos after 45 years with the team. There are team physicians, such as head team physician Martin Boublik of Steadman Hawkins Clinic-Denver. I thought I would be (at Fort Hays) my whole career, Antonopulos said. 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. Rainy. It was embarrassing, the whole concept. Example video title will go here for this video. 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. It was phenomenal. The Broncos had never been to the playoffs and had just two winning seasons before Antonopulos arrived. Denver Broncos trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos has retired after 45 years with the franchise, the team announced Monday. Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett spoke with media members on Friday for the first time since his arrest for public intoxication in late January. Antonopulos has been an athletic trainer for the Denver Broncos for a total of 941 games. I love the relationships I have developed over the years. In the days of the Orange Crush defense, Greek earned a customized can: . 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. Head Athletic Trainer You'll now receive the top Broncos Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. I love the energy required to survive in this game. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! 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. The Drive was so special. By 1987 he received the NFL/Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS) award for Training Staff of the Year. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- After a career that spanned 45 years with the Denver Broncos, director of sports medicine Steve Antonopulos has retired. 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. For a 2 p.m. start, he comes tothe stadium at 7:30 a.m. * A guy we think can get better and better. We sincerely thank his wife Susan and the entire Antonopulos family for sharing Greek with us for so many years.. In all he was on the sideline for 941 games (preseason, regular season and postseason) and worked for 13 different head coaches. Ryan OHalloran covered the Broncos for The Post from 2018-22 and has covered the NFL since 2004. 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. Antonopulos became head trainer in 1979 making him what is believed to be the longest-tenured trainer in NFL history. There are no set work hours for an athletic trainer in the NFL. They see their players physical and emotional fragility. I told him that, and he said. The first groups have completed their weigh-ins, measurements, and drills. He researched the previous seasons hamstring injury sustained by running back Otis Armstrong and put together a treatment/rehabilitation plan to present to Hurst. but it can also be stressful. Instead of cutting the tackle, Denver traded him and gaineda future fifth-round draft pick. We went a day early and went to see the Celtics play the Bulls. They required him to go there for a physical. #NGWSD. The next, crippled. Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson put on a show Saturday at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, making history during his highly anticipated workout. (Coach) Dan Reeves made the decision to have him drive to San Diego for the game. 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. I just think Pat trusted Greek more than any other employee he ever had working for him, Ellis said. I was making good money on the highway and going to college. Their grandparents often move better in that instant. My wife deserves this and we need to move on,' Antonopulos told Ryan OHalloran of the Denver Post. I just think Pat trusted Greek more than any other employee he ever had working for him, Ellis said. 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. "Steve Antonopulos is what the Denver Broncos are all about," John Elway aptly summed up on the Broncos' website. Jun 07, 2021 at 08:45 AM. The one other was (running back) Rob Lytle back in the day. Athletic trainers have one of the more important jobs on a professional sports team, especially in the NFL. Greeks success there was evident as TD would go on to dominate the second half and lead Denver to its first Super Bowl championship. Please logout and login again. Steve Antonopulos has been the head trainer for the Broncos ever since. 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. When the Broncos open training camp next month, Antonopulos wont be on the sidelines for the first time since 1975. He is also fully practicing. Rather respecting them in their most important roles as sons, brothers, fathers, and husbands. 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. Please check your email for a confirmation. Repeated selections of injured players shows the teams confidence in Greeks abilityto assess and treat injured players. 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. Athletic trainers are witnesses to the magic and myth of extraordinary athletic feats. If you dont have passion, you are in the wrong field. Antonopulos, 72, whom most everyone with the team and in the league knows simply as "Greek," has been with the Broncos since 1976. 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. He served as President of PFATS from 2003 to 2008. You have to understand he tore the long head of the bicep which is located in the shoulder joint. The Drive was so special. In Antonopulos second season, the Broncos reached their first Super Bowl, a loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Listen, I really appreciate you calling me. "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. It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. With unmatched dedication and loyalty to the Broncos, Greek became a trusted confidant for so many coaches, staff members and especially Pat Bowlen. 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. XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? His 43 years with the Broncos is believed to be the longest tenure by an athletic trainer with one NFL team. I love being around young people who keep me young. Be the first one to comment on this story. "It didn't matter if they were a Hall of Famer or an undrafted rookie -- his standard never changed. "Greek" is in his 41st year with the #Broncos! Of course, Greek does not do this single-handedly. The weather was awful. The Broncos will name their training room after Antonopulos. View Steve Antonopulos's business profile as Head AT at Denver Broncos. Disputed loan at center of Commanders probe, James to join Ravens, files grievance vs. Broncos, Ranking the 25 biggest position upgrades of the NFL offseason, NFL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, plus which players benefited most from the draft, Covered Broncos for nine years for Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News, Previously covered Steelers, Bills and Titans, Member of Pro Football Hall of Fame Board. The Broncos paid an ode to Antonopulos' hard work by naming their training room after him. Antonopulos treated 983 players who appeared in at least one regular season/playoff game for the Broncos. Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, whose size has been a matter of conjecture in the run-up to the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, officially measured in at 5-foot-10 1/8 and 204 pounds on Saturday. Please check your email for a confirmation. 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. Awesome was Antonopulos longevity in the often-unstable world of the NFL. 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. Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos retires after 45-year Broncos career Counting players on training camp roster, Steve Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. Here are his assistants at Super Bowl 50 in February: Congrats to @broncos and the athletic training staff. 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 their livelihood, and it hurts to see them be injured and not be able to perform. Connor McGovern had a hamstring problem. 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. It didnt matter if they were a Hall of Famer or an undrafted rookiehis 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. Odds & lines subject to change. Be the first one to comment on this story. That was a tremendous victory in Broncos history. Antonopulos was the longest-tenured employee at the franchise. In 2017, Antonopulos was promoted to the teams director of sports medicine, where he oversaw all aspects of the clubs training and rehabilitation process. 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. In all those years, I never tried to figure out how many hours I worked.. pic.twitter.com/MB6he9cRUp, Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 4, 2016. 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. I was blessed to be a part of the elation of that. We had to put him on injured reserve because he couldnt travel. 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. An interesting couple days and we had a great time.. 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.. Denver Broncos headlines, game previews and interviews with our 9NEWS insider Mike Klis. 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. He earned the head trainer position in 1979. I am an early person, and I learned years ago I need some time by myself before anyone gets here. What a run. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon. Is the job worth the derision? Were on the tarmac going to play San Diego. Horse Tracks: Should the Broncos spend big money on a free agent running back. During the season, Antonopulos would often arrive at the facility around 4 a.m. and stay as late as required. Could they look to sign a veteran? Pat Bowlen's family has chosen Steve "Greek" Antonopulos to serve as the owner's presenter at the Hall of Fame . 2023 NFL Scouting Combine results: Defensive linemen and linebackers. He worked under three owners and 10 head coaches and was a part of 22 playoff teams and three Super Bowl champions. Greek is ever present when scary injuries occur, such as the incident with defensive end Derek Wolfe in the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on August 17, 2013. Or does the salary serve as a salve to those wounds? During his 45-year career with the Broncos, Steve Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. 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My wife deserves this and we need to move on, Antonopulos said in a phone interview Sunday with The Denver Post. 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. Probably the most loyal employee the team has had and will ever have, Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis said in a phone interview. Steve Antonopulos announced his retirement on Monday. 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. Antonopulos joined the Broncos as assistant athletic trainer in 1976 . Ill always be a Bronco.. 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 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. I never worked a day in my life because I loved what I was doing so much and the organization was so classy. Its just a cool place., Oh boy, a couple of those. 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. I never worked a day in my life because I loved what I was doing so much and the organization was so classy. Antonopulos grew up in Hugo, Colo., 105 miles southeast of Mile High Stadium. Allen called me the first week of July. 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.. > Top stories curated daily just for you! Vince Garcia, Denvers head athletic trainer, will presumably be a strong candidate to replace Greek. The Denver Broncos head trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos has retired from the NFL after 45 years with the team. Counting players on training camp roster, Steve Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. | . He leaves big shoes to fill at the organization. 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. ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA. His salary is around $10 million and his main source of income is from his career as a business executive. (photos via Broncos photo archive, unless noted) 1 / 24. He worked under three owners and 10 head coaches and was a part of 22 playoff teams and three Super Bowl champions. We congratulate Greek and thank him for a truly remarkable, special run with the Denver Broncos. I loved the job, loved the place and there would be only one position I would leave there for the Denver Broncos.. Ill have to say, back in the day, we always felt we were on the cusp of the concussion stuff. For me I want to be back early August, September, ready to go 100 percent, full go. 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. Veteran free agentRussell Okung, the starting left tackle, was signed during the offseason while recovering from shoulder surgery. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- After a career that spanned 45 years with the Denver Broncos, director of sports medicine Steve Antonopulos has retired.