General manager John Elway toldDenver Posts Nicki Jhabvala: Elway on Gotsis: "A guy we think has a really high *ceiling. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- After a career that spanned 45 years with the Denver Broncos, director of sports medicine Steve Antonopulos has retired. 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. In Antonopulos second season, the Broncos reached their first Super Bowl, a loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos with Jim Gillen talk being head athletic trainers https://t.co/nTFo5XtbrK, R. David Mullin (@RD_Mullin) August 17, 2016. Sleeting. In fact over his NFL career Elway ran for3,407 yards and 33 touchdowns. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Register now! The first groups have completed their weigh-ins, measurements, and drills. It wasnt really an injury. Five hours later, he was driving me 80 miles an hour down I-25 so I could get to the basketball game that night. After the 1980 season, he was elevated to head trainer and split his old salary in half to hire two assistants. It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. Less than a decade after winning the Super Bowl MVP he had left knee replacement surgery. John Elways pro football career had bookends of torn up body parts. 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.. I always thought that might zing me one day.. 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. (Coach) Dan Reeves made the decision to have him drive to San Diego for the game. 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. Tonight, we celebrated head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos. Ill always be a Bronco.. Steve Antonopulos announced his retirement on Monday. They see their players physical and emotional fragility. Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett spoke with media members on Friday for the first time since his arrest for public intoxication in late January. 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. "No one cared more about the players than Greek. We just really hit it off and it was an opportunity that I had always dreamed about.. Its just a cool place., Oh boy, a couple of those. Smith runs second-fastest 40 by DL since 03, Saleh compares Carr to Stafford pre-Rams trade, Allen to be ready to roll for offseason program, How to maximize leverage of No. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. In the days of the Orange Crush defense, Greek earned a customized can: . He is one of the richest baseball managers in Canada. It paid $25 a week plus room and board, he said with a laugh. In all he was on the sideline for 941 games (preseason, regular season and postseason) and worked for 13 different head coaches. Five hours later, he was driving me 80 miles an hour down I-25 so I could get to the basketball game that night. The Denver Broncos hired Steve Antonopulos as their assistant trainer in 1976. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. 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. You'll now receive the top Broncos Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. 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. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. 13655 Broncos Parkway Englewood, CO 80112. However, Anthopoulos served as an advance scout for the Greek National Baseball Team for the . The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Ryan OHalloran covered the Broncos for The Post from 2018-22 and has covered the NFL since 2004. "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. He was the team's head trainer for 37 seasons and spent the past four seasons as the director of sports medicine. Horse Tracks: Should the Broncos spend big money on a free agent running back. All three are full training camp participants. My wife deserves this and we need to move on,' Antonopulos told Ryan OHalloran of the Denver Post. It's spanned 900. 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. Enjoying Sportskeeda's coverage? With the Broncos, Greek transitioned to specialize in rehabilitation and was promoted to head trainer in 1980. That poor guy. 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. More Videos There is no verbal banter of windy platitudes to stoke quixotic fantasies of either management or players. Antonopulos, 72, whom most everyone with the team and in the league knows simply as "Greek," has been with the Broncos since 1976. We had a few of those guys, but he was to the hilt. Elway mentioned Greeks help in his Hall of Fame induction speech in 2004. He treated 983 players who've appeared in at least one playoff and regular-season game for the Denver Broncos. Steve Antonopulos announced his retirement on Monday. Yet behind closed doors they respond to the ordinary, commonplace maladies of bruises, lacerations, soft tissue tears, and broken bones. A Hugo, Colorado, native, Antonopulos began his career with the Broncos as an assistant trainer in 1976. 2 / 24. He was named Colorado Sportswriter of the Year in 2019. His physical was first thing in the morning. Here are those results. The Denver Post caught up with Steve Antonopulos, and during the interview, Antonopulos explained his reasoning behind his retirement. 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. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. Over the past 45 years, Steve "Greek" Antonopulos has been a welcoming presence in the Broncos' training rooms at the team's practice facilities, home and road stadiums and training camp locales none more so . 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. He arrived most days at 4:30 a.m. and was often the last to leave team headquarters at night. 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). It was embarrassing, the whole concept. It's an annual position that becomes even more demanding during training camp and the season. No other NFL trainer has treated a teams general manager, head coach, offensive coordinator and current roster of players. Greeks success there was evident as TD would go on to dominate the second half and lead Denver to its first Super Bowl championship. Antonopulos grew up in Hugo, Colo., 105 miles southeast of Mile High Stadium. 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. I loved the job, loved the place and there would be only one position I would leave there for the Denver Broncos.. Antonopulos called the honor breathtaking.. 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. 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. 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. pic.twitter.com/MB6he9cRUp, Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 4, 2016. Greek has four assistants and many intern athletic trainers. 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 . It is their livelihood, and it hurts to see them be injured and not be able to perform. We sincerely thank his wife Susan and the entire Antonopulos family for sharing Greek with us for so many years. 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. 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. Awesome was Antonopulos longevity in the often-unstable world of the NFL. He took a year off from football, resuming play without an ACL for the remainder of his career. He told me after the fact he was going to take a half-hour (for the interview) and be on his way, Antonopulos said. After the 1980 season, he was elevated to head trainer and split his old salary in half to hire two assistants. 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. 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. One moment they move with extraordinary grace, quickness, and power. We had a few of those guys, but he was to the hilt. Odds & lines subject to change. 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! Is hard reset only way to salvage Jets QB dilemma? 20 in NFLPA ranking of clubs based on locker rooms, food service, travel and more, From DreMont Jones and DeShawn Williams to mining the mid-rounds, DL a big offseason work area for Broncos, Broncos podcast: New coaching staff, impressions from NFL Scouting Combine, Sean Payton very excited to have Vance Joseph as Broncos DC after four years in Arizona, Colorado property owners to face astronomical tax increases next year, After School Satan Club launching first Colorado chapter, but organizer promises "we are not devil worshippers", PHOTOS: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band play Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado landlords say eviction-protection proposal could make dropping problem renters too hard, 5 can't-miss menus for Denver Restaurant Week, No more greasy pizza boxes, paper towels or takeout containers in Front Range compost bins come April 1, After teen's death, Denver East High students walk out to advocate for gun legislation, Boulder house where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Metro Denver housing market crosses firmly into negative territory in February, Kiszla: With Brendan Rodgers down and out, Kris Bryant could become $182 million face of worst team in Rockies history, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Not a member? Players are not treated as replaceable pieces of football productivity. 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. 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. 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. We sincerely thank his wife Susan and the entire Antonopulos family for sharing Greek with us for so many years.. Allen called me the first week of July. 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. By Tim Lynch @TimLynch1978 Jun 7, 2021, 8:50am MDT Share this story. Elways competitive drive helped him work through the mental challenges of rehabilitation. Listen, I really appreciate you calling me. 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 Broncos will name their training room after Antonopulos. He was Bowlen's presenter when Bowlen was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2019. Or does the salary serve as a salve to those wounds? He was to make $61.8 million after two years with the Colts,. He is also fully practicing. My wife deserves this and we need to move on, Antonopulos said in a phone interview Sunday with The Denver Post. 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. What a run. He told me after the fact he was going to take a half-hour (for the interview) and be on his way, Antonopulos said. It was dreary. Awesome was Antonopulos longevity in the often-unstable world of the NFL. He researched the previous seasons hamstring injury sustained by running back Otis Armstrong and put together a treatment/rehabilitation plan to present to Hurst. Denver will also honor Steve Antonopulos at one of their home games during the 2021 season. We allowed the soft tissues to heal and put him on a strengthening program and he played in about 10 days. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! Call 1-800-GAMBLER. I loved the job, loved the place and there would be only one position I would leave there for the Denver Broncos.. Over that time, Antonopulos worked all eight Super Bowls that the Broncos have appeared in. 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. From Left to Right: Dustin Little, Josh Hartman, Steve Antonopulos, Michael Sundeen, and Billy-Joe Voltaire. Running back could be a sneaky priority need for the Denver Broncos. #NGWSD. I am an early person, and I learned years ago I need some time by myself before anyone gets here. The Denver Broncos head trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos has retired from the NFL after 45 years with the team. "No one cared more about the players than Greek," Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis said in a statement. It paid $25 a week plus room and board, he said with a laugh. His 43 years with the Broncos is believed to be the longest tenure by an athletic trainer with one NFL team. Counting players on training camp roster, Steve Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. The Denver Broncos head trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos has retired from the NFL after 45 years with the team. Antonopulos joined the Broncos as assistant athletic trainer in 1976 . 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. @Broncos celebrating head trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos tonight. With unmatched dedication and loyalty to the Broncos, Greek became a trusted confidant for so many coaches, staff members and especially Pat Bowlen. 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. Antonopulos called the honor breathtaking.. He served as the head football trainer at his alma mater in 2009 before becoming one of Greeks assistant trainers from 2010-13. NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. 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. The Broncos had never been to the playoffs and had just two winning seasons before Antonopulos arrived. You have the passion to do it. He earned the head trainer position in 1979. 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. pic.twitter.com/QngbUDNhEI. XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? Greek also saidthat Elway was one of the best players at injury recovery. He closed the door and he went nuts again. (photos via Broncos photo archive, unless noted) 1 / 24. 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. In 2005, Greek said: The initial treatment wasicing, compression, and elevation (ICE). 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. In announcing the retirement of the man everyone called Greek, the Broncos said he treated 980 different players in the regular season and playoffs. Five hours later, John went through everything you could imagine and he ended up vomiting all over the place. I love the energy required to survive in this game. I woke him up. There are no set work hours for an athletic trainer in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/QngbUDNhEI. It was dreary. 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. Here's a look. Of course, Greek does not do this single-handedly. There were 983 players who played at least one regular-season game for the Broncos in his tenure. For me I want to be back early August, September, ready to go 100 percent, full go. Steve Antonopulos Head Athletic Trainer at Denver Broncos Parker, Colorado, United States 7 connections Join to connect Denver Broncos University of Northern Colorado Report this profile. 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. 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. 'Defend My Desk' How did Antonopulos survive so many regime changes? 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. Over that time, Antonopulos worked all eight Super Bowls that the Broncos have appeared in. Past and current players including Peyton Manning and Von Miller . Its just a cool place., Oh boy, a couple of those. We thought it would be (quick). "Steve Antonopulos is what the Denver Broncos are all about," John Elway aptly summed up on the Broncos' website. He embodies the principles of the Fain-Cain Award, and he continues to impact all of those who have been around him. You have to understand he tore the long head of the bicep which is located in the shoulder joint. What will the Buffalo Bills do without defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier? pic.twitter.com/uwM5i7YAAm. 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.