The Broncos announced on Monday, June 7, 2021, that Antonopulos will retire after more than three decades as the team's trainer. We thought it would be (quick). During his 45-year career with the Broncos, Steve Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. 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. Athletic trainers have one of the more important jobs on a professional sports team, especially in the NFL. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! 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. How much do athletic trainers make in the NFL? - Sportskeeda Now hes walking away for good as hes going to retire where he grew up on the eastern plains. 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. 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. Its just a cool place., Oh boy, a couple of those. Antonopulos, whose office was routinely owner Pat Bowlen's first stop each morning when Bowlen arrived to work, is the longest-tenured employee in the franchise's history and is the only employee to have been with the Broncos for each of the team's eight Super Bowl trips. I love the challenges that are presented each day. NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand, and MORE! If youre doing something you love, you dont watch the clock or think about it, he said. He worked 941 total games, during which Denver went 438-311-1 in the regular season/playoffs. Aftersigning his $24.5 million contract with the Chicago Bears during the offseason,the NFL tweeted this about Trevathan: Knee injury.Knee injury.Knee injury.Big contract? The weather was awful. 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. Athletic training is also one of the first NFL staff positions to be held by women. He worked 941 total games, during which Denver went 438-311-1 in the regular season/playoffs. Although not given the recognition they so often deserve, NFL athletic trainers are some of the most important support staff members in any organization. Ill always be a Bronco.. In 2005, Greek said: The initial treatment wasicing, compression, and elevation (ICE). 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. Veteran free agentRussell Okung, the starting left tackle, was signed during the offseason while recovering from shoulder surgery. He was named Colorado Sportswriter of the Year in 2019. I dont have an exact set deadline on when Im coming back. The Broncos paid an ode to Antonopulos' hard work by naming their training room after him. And then Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City has always been one of my favorites. Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos is the Broncos' 12th man John Elway reflects on Steve Antonopulos' 45 years with the Broncos The Broncos will honor Antonopulos at a home game this season and the team will rename their training room after the longtime trainer. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. He closed the door and he went nuts again. Professional football players endure incessant chronic pain in the playing days and beyond. Greek has four assistants and many intern athletic trainers. Greek goes to bed early because he gets here about 4 in the morning or 4:30 in the morning. 13655 Broncos Parkway Englewood, CO 80112. How did Antonopulos survive so many regime changes? Through the Years: The illustrious career of Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Broncos honor longtime trainer Steve Antonopulos A Hugo, Colorado, native, Antonopulos began his career with the Broncos as an assistant trainer in 1976. Jun 07, 2021 at 08:45 AM. What is your favorite memory of the Broncos long-time head trainer? 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. I just think Pat trusted Greek more than any other employee he ever had working for him, Ellis said. Broncos to rename training room for Steve Antonopulos, honor him at a Broncos game. Here's everything we know, QB Young 5-10 1/8, 204 pounds at NFL combine, Sources: Patriots tell QB Hoyer he's being cut, Horns' Robinson: Versatility worthy of early pick, Jones: Not fixated on Cowboys' drought, just '23, Sources: Raiders plan franchise tag for Jacobs, WR Addison to Steelers' Pickett: 'Come get me', Wolverines' Turner wows with 4.26 40 at combine, Top QB prospect Levis eager to unleash 'cannon', Everything you need to know about Geno Smith's contract negotiations. Broncos' sports medicine director retiring after 45 seasons - AP NEWS Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! He embodies the principles of the Fain-Cain Award, and he continues to impact all of those who have been around him. Antonopulos, 72, has worked with the Broncos for nearly 50 years, making his the longest career with one team in NFL history. They see players near impossible athletic feats, creating the illusion of invincibility. More Videos His physical was first thing in the morning. During the past four years, Antonopulos oversaw the Broncos training and medical treatment from on high, leaving Vince Garcia in charge of the day-to-day responsibilities. An interesting couple days and we had a great time.. Paul Klee: Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos to present Broncos owner Pat Their athletic body movements express their identity. Tedious repetitions of arm pulls and leg lifts. The Drive was so special. Steve "Greek" Antonopulos, the Broncos' director of sports medicine, is entering his 44th season with the team. Antonopulos grew up in Hugo, Colo., 105 miles southeast of Mile High Stadium. Denver Broncos laud retiring trainer Steve Antonopulos, 72, 'a fixture I am an early person, and I learned years ago I need some time by myself before anyone gets here. He worked under three owners and 10 head coaches and was a part of 22 playoff teams and three Super Bowl champions. Steve Antonopulos - Head Athletic Trainer - Denver Broncos - LinkedIn We had to put him on injured reserve because he couldnt travel. It's an annual position that becomes even more demanding during training camp and the season. 'Defend My Desk' How did Antonopulos survive so many regime changes? He researched the previous seasons hamstring injury sustained by running back Otis Armstrong and put together a treatment/rehabilitation plan to present to Hurst. The two went on to lead theteam in tackles lastseason. The very best of medical practitioners effortlesslyblend sincere empathy and proficient treatment with their patients. The best thing is stay in your domain, stay at your desk and work your rear end off.. 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. It's spanned 900. 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. 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 . The next, crippled. The award is given annually to a NFL trainer who best exemplifies a long-term commitment to the NFL, as well as exemplary performance. He took a year off from football, resuming play without an ACL for the remainder of his career. It didn't matter if they were a Hall of Famer or an undrafted rookie -- his standard never changed. Broncos' long time trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos retires 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. Athletic trainers are witnesses to the magic and myth of extraordinary athletic feats. It paid $25 a week plus room and board, he said with a laugh. My philosophy was if you do your job and do a good job, theyll get to you. Broncos to rename training room for Steve Antonopulos - Denver Broncos Longtime head athletic trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos is retiring after 45 years with the club, the team announced Monday. The first groups have completed their weigh-ins, measurements, and drills. He had a fear of flying. 1. 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. It was embarrassing, the whole concept. Example video title will go here for this video. 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. It was dreary. They see their players physical and emotional fragility. Antonopulos spent 45 years with the Denver Broncos and was the athletic trainer to over 1,500 NFL players. 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. 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. After the 1980 season, he was elevated to head trainer and split his old salary in half to hire two assistants. "No one cared more about the players than Greek. The best thing is stay in your domain, stay at your desk and work your rear end off.. It wasnt really an injury. For me I want to be back early August, September, ready to go 100 percent, full go. Be the first one to comment on this story. He had the fingernail on his thumb totally torn off and was bleeding all over the place. Denver Broncos trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos has retired after 45 years with the franchise, the team announced Monday. We sincerely thank his wife Susan and the entire Antonopulos family for sharing Greek with us for so many years.". Five hours later, he was driving me 80 miles an hour down I-25 so I could get to the basketball game that night. Broncos trainer Steve Antonopulos retires after 45 seasons "Greek" is in his 41st year with the #Broncos! The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. We certainly wouldnt have gone to Cheers had we known it would take that long. Mercedes-Benz Stadium. I work for a great organization that cares about people. Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson put on a show Saturday at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, making history during his highly anticipated workout. You have to understand he tore the long head of the bicep which is located in the shoulder joint. My wife deserves this and we need to move on,' Antonopulos told Ryan OHalloran of the Denver Post. I love being around young people who keep me young. General manager John Elway toldDenver Posts Nicki Jhabvala: Elway on Gotsis: "A guy we think has a really high *ceiling. He held the post until 2016, after which he transitioned into his role as director of sports medicine for four years. "It didn't matter if they were a Hall of Famer or an undrafted rookie -- his standard never changed. 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. Antonopulos called working for the Broncos a lifes dream., A lot of people say that, but it was the reality for me, he said. Scissors, tape remover, whirlpools, ultrasound gel, and treatment tables. Pat Bowlen's family has chosen Steve "Greek" Antonopulos to serve as the owner's presenter at the Hall of Fame . Rainy. Like Antonopulos, Garcia got his bachelors degree from Northern Colorado. We certainly wouldnt have gone to Cheers had we known it would take that long. 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. Toward the end Elways ripped bicep. 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). Trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos: Through The Years - Denver Broncos And then Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City has always been one of my favorites. We congratulate Greek and thank him for a truly remarkable, special run with the Denver Broncos. Greeks success there was evident as TD would go on to dominate the second half and lead Denver to its first Super Bowl championship. Steve Antonopulos will go down as one of the best athletic trainers in the history of the NFL. pic.twitter.com/6YiWPEJddX, David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) February 8, 2016. 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. Antonopulos graduated from the University of Northern Colorado. 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. He has been recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors seven times for his work. Awesome was Antonopulos longevity in the often-unstable world of the NFL. Take a quick 30-second survey to help us deliver the best content around NFL & College Football. I was making good money on the highway and going to college. Download the 9NEWS APPiTunes:http://on9news.tv/itunesGoogle Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n. Denver Broncos laud retiring trainer Steve Antonopulos, 72, 'a fixture You'll now receive the top Broncos Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. Running back could be a sneaky priority need for the Denver Broncos. Jiminy Christmas, Im humbled; what an awesome thing, he said. My wife deserves this and we need to move on, Antonopulos said in a phone interview Sunday with The Denver Post. 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. 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. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! but it can also be stressful. Our organization wishes him the very best in his retirement. 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). On August 3, the Broncos organization came together to celebrate 40 years of service by Greek. Steve Antonopulos has accomplished a lot over the past 45 years. 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. Steve Antonopulos announced his retirement on Monday. There are team physicians, such as head team physician Martin Boublik of Steadman Hawkins Clinic-Denver. We thought it would be (quick). I went and got a summer job on the state highway back home that summer and I was getting married. As the only person in the history of the Broncos to be part of all eight Super Bowls, Greek made a profound impact on this organization. (Coach) Dan Reeves made the decision to have him drive to San Diego for the game. With unmatched dedication and loyalty to the Broncos, Greek became a trusted confidant for so many coaches, staff members and especially Pat Bowlen. 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. 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. 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. Or does the salary serve as a salve to those wounds? At the moment it is week-by-week. Applauding him as "an institution with the Broncos for the last 45 years," Denver bid farewell Monday to director of sports medicine Steve Antonopulos, who retired at 72 years old. Since he started setting up the training room, the Broncos have been to the playoffs 22 times. Five hours later, John went through everything you could imagine and he ended up vomiting all over the place. 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.. @Broncos celebrating head trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos tonight. 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 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. Antonopulos, 72, was a constant factor in the Broncos long run of success over the last 4+ decades treating and working with every single player Denver employed over those years. In announcing the retirement of the man everyone called Greek, the Broncos said he treated 980 different players in the regular season and playoffs. Interior linebackers Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan had uncertain futures going into the 2015 season. Your login session has expired. 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A look at Steve "Greek" Antonopulos' 41 years as the Broncos' head athletic trainer.