Elway mentioned Greeks help in his Hall of Fame induction speech in 2004. Please check your email for a confirmation. Steve Antonopulos assists injured QB John Elway at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. on Sunday Jan.12, 1992. Sleeting. He is one of the richest baseball managers in Canada. Since he started setting up the training room, the Broncos have been to the playoffs 22 times. 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. 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. Like Antonopulos, Garcia got his bachelors degree from Northern Colorado. 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. In the days of the Orange Crush defense, Greek earned a customized can: . 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. He worked under three owners and 10 head coaches and was a part of 22 playoff teams and three Super Bowl champions. Antonopulos grew up in Hugo, Colo., 105 miles southeast of Mile High Stadium. In 2005, Greek said: The initial treatment wasicing, compression, and elevation (ICE). 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.. That poor guy. He earned the head trainer position in 1979. 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. Greek was the recipient of the2011 Fain-Cain Memorial Award at the NFL Physicians Society Scientific Annual Meeting. Professional football players endure incessant chronic pain in the playing days and beyond. Five hours later, John went through everything you could imagine and he ended up vomiting all over the place. I am an early person, and I learned years ago I need some time by myself before anyone gets here. Download the 9NEWS APPiTunes:http://on9news.tv/itunesGoogle Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n. My philosophy was if you do your job and do a good job, theyll get to you. His Bronco days started in 1976. Steve "Greek" Antonopulos, the Broncos' director of sports medicine, is entering his 44th season with the team. Denver Broncos longtime trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos retired Monday after 45 years with the team. Five hours later, he was driving me 80 miles an hour down I-25 so I could get to the basketball game that night. Antonopulos, 72, whom most everyone with the team and in the league knows simply as "Greek," has been with the Broncos since 1976. 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. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. 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. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. 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. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. "A great, great guy, as well as a great ambassador.". The Moving can be an exciting experience. 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. During the season, Antonopulos would often arrive at the facility around 4 a.m. and stay as late as required. Broncos to rename training room for Steve Antonopulos, honor him at a Broncos game. 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. According to the organization, Antonopulos' 45-year tenure is believed to be the longest ever spent with a single NFL team. Even before taking his first snap with the Broncos, he tore his left knees ACL in high school. His physical was first thing in the morning. I was blessed to be a part of the elation of that. 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. 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. The Broncos will honor Antonopulos at a home game this season and the team will rename their training room after the longtime trainer. pic.twitter.com/QngbUDNhEI. Found this classic can in hubs stuff. pic.twitter.com/MB6he9cRUp, Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 4, 2016. He was obviously an astute trainer, but also an arrive-early, leave-late, stay-in-his-lane employee. You have the passion to do it. He is the teams 12th man. Be the first one to comment on this story. Running back could be a sneaky priority need for the Denver Broncos. In all those years, I never tried to figure out how many hours I worked.. The livelihood of their families depend on the high body performance. 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.. The Denver Post caught up with Steve Antonopulos, and during the interview, Antonopulos explained his reasoning behind his retirement. The very best of medical practitioners effortlesslyblend sincere empathy and proficient treatment with their patients. The Drive was so special. 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. Antonopulos is the only Broncos employee who has been to all eight Super Bowls. I love the energy required to survive in this game. Five hours later, John went through everything you could imagine and he ended up vomiting all over the place. After the 1980 season, he was elevated to head trainer and split his old salary in half to hire two assistants. I just think Pat trusted Greek more than any other employee he ever had working for him, Ellis said. 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. He embodies the principles of the Fain-Cain Award, and he continues to impact all of those who have been around him. 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. 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By Tim Lynch @TimLynch1978 Jun 7, 2021, 8:50am MDT Share this story. 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. 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. In 2017, Antonopulos was promoted to the teams director of sports medicine, where he oversaw all aspects of the clubs training and rehabilitation process. Register now! Its just a cool place., Oh boy, a couple of those. Less than a decade after winning the Super Bowl MVP he had left knee replacement surgery. Antonopulos called working for the Broncos a lifes dream., A lot of people say that, but it was the reality for me, he said. https://t.co/2uuh4JmP6H#ThankYouGreek pic.twitter.com/VljaBUgaTn, Probably the most loyal employee the team has had and will ever have, Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis told Ryan OHalloran of The Denver Post. Here's a look. 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. Antonopulos called working for the Broncos a lifes dream., A lot of people say that, but it was the reality for me, he said. So I called him. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. pic.twitter.com/6YiWPEJddX, David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) February 8, 2016. Pat Bowlen's family has chosen Steve "Greek" Antonopulos to serve as the owner's presenter at the Hall of Fame . I work for a great organization that cares about people. He researched the previous seasons hamstring injury sustained by running back Otis Armstrong and put together a treatment/rehabilitation plan to present to Hurst. 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. Athletic training is also one of the first NFL staff positions to be held by women. 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. An interesting couple days and we had a great time.. He closed the door and he went nuts again. ", Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) April 30, 2016. I love being around young people who keep me young. 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. What a run. It is their livelihood, and it hurts to see them be injured and not be able to perform. Awesome was Antonopulos longevity in the often-unstable world of the NFL. The Broncos will have a new person as the head of their training staff for the first time in a long time. We had to put him on injured reserve because he couldnt travel. 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. They see players near impossible athletic feats, creating the illusion of invincibility. The one other was (running back) Rob Lytle back in the day. On August 3, the Broncos organization came together to celebrate 40 years of service by Greek. Broncos trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos retires after 45 seasons with franchise - The Denver Post Sports NFL Denver Broncos News News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by. It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. Antonopulos was the longest-tenured employee at the franchise. A fellow trainer at Fort Hays was Jim Gillen, who later became the head athletic trainer for the Denver Nuggets. He is the only individual to be part of all eight Broncos Super Bowl runs. Is the job worth the derision? At the moment, Im just completely thrilled to be a Denver Bronco and I cant wait to get up there. 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. Could they look to sign a veteran? > Above video: Steve Antonopulos introduces Pat Bowlen at NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (photos via Broncos photo archive, unless noted) 1 / 24. He served as the head football trainer at his alma mater in 2009 before becoming one of Greeks assistant trainers from 2010-13. Horse Tracks: Should the Broncos spend big money on a free agent running back. If they are working in an NFL medical facility it can be even more. An interesting couple days and we had a great time.. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. It was dreary. After the 1980 season, he was elevated to head trainer and split his old salary in half to hire two assistants. Watch the Broncos tribute video to Greek, especially Gary Kubiaks words on how much Greek personally means to him: Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos celebrates 40 years of service with the Denver Broncos https://t.co/whCCXn6cFk. The Drive was so special. 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. Greek watched over the knee helping to make it stronger than most, according to Matt Christopher in his book In the Huddlewith John Elway. 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. From there, we went to Cheers bar and ran into some Denver people and had a couple cold ones. I love the relationships I have developed over the years. I have never had a day that I dreaded coming to work. Trainer Antonopulos, a Broncos' 'fixture,' retires, The future of the NFL combine: Is there really a chance it could end forever? I love caring for people. "No one cared more about the players than Greek. Greek also saidthat Elway was one of the best players at injury recovery. Sign up for the Broncos Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. View Steve Antonopulos's business profile as Head AT at Denver Broncos. 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. Example video title will go here for this video. He was to make $61.8 million after two years with the Colts,. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon. Head Athletic Trainer Antonopulos called the honor breathtaking.. My wife deserves this and we need to move on,' Antonopulos told Ryan OHalloran of the Denver Post. I woke him up. General manager John Elway toldDenver Posts Nicki Jhabvala: Elway on Gotsis: "A guy we think has a really high *ceiling. What is your favorite memory of the Broncos long-time head trainer? Broncos Athletic Trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos is retiring after 45 seasons with the team. We thought it would be (quick). 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. Since the former Fort Hays head athletic trainer launched his NFL career, a lot has changed in the sport and in the world of athletic training, but Antonopulos' career had such remarkable longevity because he constantly worked to keep up with updating practices and help shape the evolving field. He worked 941 total games, during which Denver went 438-311-1 in the regular season/playoffs. It paid $25 a week plus room and board, he said with a laugh. The weather was awful. When I committed to come back for this past season, I told John (Elway), This is it. 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. Players are not treated as replaceable pieces of football productivity. (Coach) Dan Reeves made the decision to have him drive to San Diego for the game. The fans are incredible and it was the first of the modern stadiums in the old days. Antonopulos called the honor breathtaking.. Jun 07, 2021 at 08:45 AM. Anthopoulos successful career has earned him some luxurious lifestyles and some fancy cars. Counting players on training camp roster, Steve Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you Broncos trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), 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. 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. 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. San Diego: Head Athletic Trainer Steve Antonopulos glances at the Vince Lombardi Trophy in the locker during the post-game celebration. John Elways pro football career had bookends of torn up body parts. It is still early in the process. 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. We thought it would be (quick). 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. For a 2 p.m. start, he comes tothe stadium at 7:30 a.m. but it can also be stressful. Steve Antonopulos announced his retirement on Monday. 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 told him that, and he said. @Grindin_59 never saw this happening: https://t.co/62EHR6aweP pic.twitter.com/2ns3HQOWc3. Denver Broncos trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos has retired after 45 years with the franchise, the team announced Monday. 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. Former Broncos coach Gary Kubiak, who arrived to the Broncos as a rookie . It's an annual position that becomes even more demanding during training camp and the season. Probably the most loyal employee the team has had and will ever have, Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis said in a phone interview. We sincerely thank his wife Susan and the entire Antonopulos family for sharing Greek with us for so many years. He had the fingernail on his thumb totally torn off and was bleeding all over the place. He took a year off from football, resuming play without an ACL for the remainder of his career. (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. It was embarrassing, the whole concept. It didn't matter if they were a Hall of Famer or an undrafted rookie -- his standard never changed. Mercedes-Benz Stadium. 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. We sincerely thank his wife Susan and the entire Antonopulos family for sharing Greek with us for so many years.". 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. The first groups have completed their weigh-ins, measurements, and drills. Denver's tale of the tape under Antonopulos: 941 total games (incl. We had a few of those guys, but he was to the hilt. I was making good money on the highway and going to college. It was phenomenal. I never worked a day in my life because I loved what I was doing so much and the organization was so classy. Here's a list of accomplishments that Steve Antonopulos earned with the Denver Broncos. We certainly wouldnt have gone to Cheers had we known it would take that long. 'Defend My Desk' How did Antonopulos survive so many regime changes? There are a hundred athletic trainers currently employed in the NFL and the average salary for those trainers is about $75,000, a figure that can rise to $100,000 depending on experience. 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). But athletic trainers, as well as strength and conditioning coaches, also seem to be the first staff members to be blamed when an NFL team suffers numerous injuries. I was making good money on the highway and going to college. Tedious repetitions of arm pulls and leg lifts. A Hugo, Colorado, native, Antonopulos began his career with the Broncos as an assistant trainer in 1976. His physical was first thing in the morning. Although not given the recognition they so often deserve, NFL athletic trainers are some of the most important support staff members in any organization. That was a tremendous victory in Broncos history. If youre doing something you love, you dont watch the clock or think about it, he said. We always worked with Craig Hospital and the concussion experts and developed our protocols, which are similar to some that are used today. We always worked with Craig Hospital and the concussion experts and developed our protocols, which are similar to some that are used today. "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. I loved the job, loved the place and there would be only one position I would leave there for the Denver Broncos.. That was a tremendous victory in Broncos history. More Videos From there, we went to Cheers bar and ran into some Denver people and had a couple cold ones. My wife deserves this and we need to move on, Antonopulos said in a phone interview Sunday with The Denver Post. 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. The 2023 NFL Combine is underway. 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. The fans are incredible and it was the first of the modern stadiums in the old days. Rick Massie was a receiver from Kentucky. Ill always be a Bronco.. 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 . Denver Broncos headlines, game previews and interviews with our 9NEWS insider Mike Klis. In fact over his NFL career Elway ran for3,407 yards and 33 touchdowns. The Broncos will name their training room after Antonopulos. 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. Rainy. He was the team's head trainer for 37 seasons and spent the past four seasons as the director of sports medicine. Antonopulos graduated from Northern Colorado with bachelors and masters degrees and was working as the head trainer and a physical education teacher at Fort Hays (Kan.) State in 1976 when a Johnson & Johnson representative told him about an opening to be Hursts only assistant. 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. 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. Before the 2020 season, Steve told John Elway that the 2020-2021 season would be his final one as an athletic trainer. A typical day for me starts at 4 a.m. Denver Broncos athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos, who recently retired this offseason, was the longest tenured athletic trainer in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/VZ4LHDGcb7, Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) April 30, 2016. 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.
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