Greek does sustained hard work with players that benefits in indirect ways. 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 . Past and current players including Peyton Manning and Von Miller . Now hes walking away for good as hes going to retire where he grew up on the eastern plains. 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 have to say, back in the day, we always felt we were on the cusp of the concussion stuff. We thought it would be (quick). Michigan cornerback DJ Turner II is the early leader for fastest player at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine after posting a time of 4.26 seconds in the 40-yard dash on Friday. We sincerely thank his wife Susan and the entire Antonopulos family for sharing Greek with us for so many years.. He treated 983 players who've appeared in at least one playoff and regular-season game for the Denver Broncos. Sleeting. Among his career accolades are the Fain-Cain Memorial Award (2011), an honor bestowed to trainer who exemplifies long-term commitment to the NFL, the NFL/PFATS Athletic Training Staff of the Year Award (1987), the National Athletic Trainers Association Athletic Trainer Service Award (1996) and the NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award (2006). Ryan OHalloran covered the Broncos for The Post from 2018-22 and has covered the NFL since 2004. It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. You'll now receive the top Broncos Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. 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. What is your favorite memory of the Broncos long-time head trainer? I dont have an exact set deadline on when Im coming back. Antonopulos called working for the Broncos a lifes dream., A lot of people say that, but it was the reality for me, he said. 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. If youre doing something you love, you dont watch the clock or think about it, he said. The livelihood of their families depend on the high body performance. 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. We certainly wouldnt have gone to Cheers had we known it would take that long. One moment they move with extraordinary grace, quickness, and power. Five hours later, John went through everything you could imagine and he ended up vomiting all over the place. Allen called me the first week of July. (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. Anthopoulos successful career has earned him some luxurious lifestyles and some fancy cars. Their athletic body movements express their identity. 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. 2023 NFL Scouting Combine results: Defensive linemen and linebackers. Antonopulos called the honor breathtaking.. I have never had a day that I dreaded coming to work. Ill always be a Bronco.. Denver Broncos athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos, who recently retired this offseason, was the longest tenured athletic trainer in the NFL. They see their players physical and emotional fragility. 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. Running back could be a sneaky priority need for the Denver Broncos. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. From Left to Right: Dustin Little, Josh Hartman, Steve Antonopulos, Michael Sundeen, and Billy-Joe Voltaire. I love the challenges that are presented each day. 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 "Greek" Antonopulos, the Broncos' director of sports medicine, is entering his 44th season with the team. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. After treating nearly 1,000 different players during the past 45 years, Steve Greek Antonopulos has retired as Broncos trainer. Register now! NFL/PFATS Athletic Training Staff of the Year Award, The National Athletic Trainers Association Athletic Trainer Service Award, NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award. 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. Yet behind closed doors they respond to the ordinary, commonplace maladies of bruises, lacerations, soft tissue tears, and broken bones. Rick Massie was a receiver from Kentucky. Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis had this to say about Antonopulos during a phone interview with the Denver Post. My wife deserves this and we need to move on,' Antonopulos told Ryan OHalloran of the Denver Post. Learn how your comment data is processed. In fact over his NFL career Elway ran for3,407 yards and 33 touchdowns. Five hours later, John went through everything you could imagine and he ended up vomiting all over the place. > Top stories curated daily just for you! Greek in his own words,as told to the Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers: The worst part of the job is seeing players devastated by being injured. In 2005, Greek said: The initial treatment wasicing, compression, and elevation (ICE). Were on the tarmac going to play San Diego. I love my job. I love the relationships I have developed over the years. (Coach) Dan Reeves made the decision to have him drive to San Diego for the game. For instance, his work with offensive tackle Ryan Clady transformed what would have been dead salary cap money into transferable salary through Cladys trade to the New York Jets. He embodies the principles of the Fain-Cain Award, and he continues to impact all of those who have been around him. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Steve Antonopulos announced his retirement on Monday. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- After a career that spanned 45 years with the Denver Broncos, director of sports medicine Steve Antonopulos has retired. 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 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.. 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. The Broncos will name their training room after Antonopulos. It was pretty much a no-brainer when somebody puts in that amount of time, Ellis said. Antonopulos grew up in Hugo, Colo., 105 miles southeast of Mile High Stadium. Former Broncos coach Gary Kubiak, who arrived to the Broncos as a rookie . An MRI told us the stub from the bicep was not in the joint. His first chance came in the summer of 1969 when trainer Allen Hurst offered him an internship. 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. Rainy. Your login session has expired. With unmatched dedication and loyalty to the Broncos, Greek became a trusted confidant for so many coaches, staff members and especially Pat Bowlen. Forty-five years is a long time. 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 didn't matter if they were a Hall of Famer or an undrafted rookie -- his standard never changed. pic.twitter.com/6YiWPEJddX, David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) February 8, 2016. He was obviously an astute trainer, but also an arrive-early, leave-late, stay-in-his-lane employee. Antonopulos, 72, has worked with the Broncos for nearly 50 years, making his the longest career with one team in NFL history. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. We always worked with Craig Hospital and the concussion experts and developed our protocols, which are similar to some that are used today. A fellow trainer at Fort Hays was Jim Gillen, who later became the head athletic trainer for the Denver Nuggets. I loved the job, loved the place and there would be only one position I would leave there for the Denver Broncos.. Toward the end Elways ripped bicep. The very best of medical practitioners effortlesslyblend sincere empathy and proficient treatment with their patients. From there, we went to Cheers bar and ran into some Denver people and had a couple cold ones. Please logout and login again. 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 Denver Post caught up with Steve Antonopulos, and during the interview, Antonopulos explained his reasoning behind his retirement. Counting players on training camp roster, Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. 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. Denver Broncos longtime trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos retired Monday after 45 years with the team. 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.. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. Denver Broncos headlines, game previews and interviews with our 9NEWS insider Mike Klis. Steve Antonopulos is the only Denver Broncos employee that has been with the team through all eight Super Bowl appearances, which included three title victories. It didnt matter if they were a Hall of Famer or an undrafted rookiehis standard never changed. Antonopulos treated 983 players who appeared in at least one regular season/playoff game for the Broncos. The two went on to lead theteam in tackles lastseason. The award is given annually to a NFL trainer who best exemplifies a long-term commitment to the NFL, as well as exemplary performance. It's an annual position that becomes even more demanding during training camp and the season. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. He was obviously an astute trainer, but also an arrive-early, leave-late, stay-in-his-lane employee. Elways competitive drive helped him work through the mental challenges of rehabilitation. 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. Ill always be a Bronco.. He was to make $61.8 million after two years with the Colts,. That poor guy. Broncos Athletic Trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos is retiring after 45 seasons with the team. 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. 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. The fans are incredible and it was the first of the modern stadiums in the old days. Antonopulos called working for the Broncos a lifes dream., A lot of people say that, but it was the reality for me, he said. 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 became head trainer in 1979 making him what is believed to be the longest-tenured trainer in NFL history. Longtime head athletic trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos is retiring after 45 years with the club, the team announced Monday. 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. He is believed to be the longest-tenured trainer with one team in NFL history, and Greek is the. Our organization wishes him the very best in his retirement. My wife deserves this and we need to move on, Antonopulos said in a phone interview Sunday with The Denver Post. During the season, Antonopulos would often arrive at the facility around 4 a.m. and stay as late as required. In addition to praising fifth-year veteran Jarek Crick, Kubiak also said that the team expectsa lot of Adam Gotsis, who is less than ten months away from tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee. Odds & lines subject to change. Before the 2020 season, Steve told John Elway that the 2020-2021 season would be his final one as an athletic trainer. He worked 941 total games, during which Denver went 438-311-1 in the regular season/playoffs. Download the 9NEWS APPiTunes:http://on9news.tv/itunesGoogle Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n. Those things are unbelievable and the number of great people and great minds of technology was phenomenal with what you can do for the medical care of football players., Without question, it was our second year here (1984) and he had to go in the offseason to Boston for a Lloyds of London insurance policy. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Broncos to rename training room for Steve Antonopulos, honor him at a Broncos game. Sign up for the Broncos Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. * A guy we think can get better and better. April 12, 2017 at 10:38 a.m. He is the teams 12th man. Broncos' Athletic Trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos is retiring after 45 seasons with the team. We had a few of those guys, but he was to the hilt. Ill have to say, back in the day, we always felt we were on the cusp of the concussion stuff. Antonopulos is the only Broncos employee who has been to all eight Super Bowls. His salary is around $10 million and his main source of income is from his career as a business executive. With unmatched dedication and loyalty to the Broncos, Greek became a trusted confidant for so many coaches, staff members and especially Pat Bowlen. His career is still going as the team's director of sports medicine. Our organization wishes him the very best in his retirement. He closed the door and he went nuts again. His Bronco days started in 1976. Will they play well again? 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. Greek goes to bed early because he gets here about 4 in the morning or 4:30 in the morning. The Drive was so special. It was embarrassing, the whole concept. I just think Pat trusted Greek more than any other employee he ever had working for him, Ellis said. I loved the job, loved the place and there would be only one position I would leave there for the Denver Broncos.. Our organization wishes him the very best in his retirement. View Steve Antonopulos's record in Limon, CO including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. You have the passion to do it. Athletic training is also one of the first NFL staff positions to be held by women. General manager John Elway toldDenver Posts Nicki Jhabvala: Elway on Gotsis: "A guy we think has a really high *ceiling. 41-yrs! @Grindin_59 never saw this happening: https://t.co/62EHR6aweP pic.twitter.com/2ns3HQOWc3. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon. 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.. In Antonopulos second season, the Broncos reached their first Super Bowl, a loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Greek received both Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Northern Colorado, and began his athletic trainer career at Fort Hays State University in Kansas in 1973, working there until 1976. Be the first one to comment on this story. Even before taking his first snap with the Broncos, he tore his left knees ACL in high school. I woke him up. Steve Greek Antonopulos, head trainer for the Denver Broncos, has announced his retirement from the NFL after 45 years with the team. Instead of cutting the tackle, Denver traded him and gaineda future fifth-round draft pick. Those things are unbelievable and the number of great people and great minds of technology was phenomenal with what you can do for the medical care of football players., Without question, it was our second year here (1984) and he had to go in the offseason to Boston for a Lloyds of London insurance policy. 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.
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