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. Steve Antonopulos announced his retirement on Monday. The Denver Broncos head trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos has retired from the NFL after 45 years with the team. He closed the door and he went nuts again. At the moment, Im just completely thrilled to be a Denver Bronco and I cant wait to get up there. When I committed to come back for this past season, I told John [Elway], This is it. Gotsis had yet to be treated by the man crucial to his draft selection and his successful knee rehabilitation, head athletic trainerSteve Antonopulos. His first chance came in the summer of 1969 when trainer Allen Hurst offered him an internship. As one of six female athletic trainers in the @NFL, Allison Miner is living her dream. That was a tremendous victory in Broncos history. Were on the tarmac going to play San Diego. Athletic trainers are witnesses to the magic and myth of extraordinary athletic feats. When I committed to come back for this past season, I told John (Elway), This is it. Adhesive bandages, electrodes, ice bags, and kinesiology tape. 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. In all those years, I never tried to figure out how many hours I worked.. 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. Denver Broncos headlines, game previews and interviews with our 9NEWS insider Mike Klis. Toward the end Elways ripped bicep. Connor McGovern had a hamstring problem. He arrived most days at 4:30 a.m. and was often the last to leave team headquarters at night. He had the fingernail on his thumb totally torn off and was bleeding all over the place. Your login session has expired. He had a fear of flying. Repeated selections of injured players shows the teams confidence in Greeks abilityto assess and treat injured players. 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 . 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. 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. 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. Ryan OHalloran covered the Broncos for The Post from 2018-22 and has covered the NFL since 2004. Denver Broncos longtime trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos retired Monday after 45 years with the team. but it can also be stressful. You'll now receive the top Broncos Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. Antonopulos graduated from the University of Northern Colorado. And he played the whole game. Be the first one to comment on this story. I thought I would be (at Fort Hays) my whole career, Antonopulos said. Find contact's direct phone number, email address, work history, and more. 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. Steve Antonopulos has been the head trainer for the Broncos ever since. Ill have to say, back in the day, we always felt we were on the cusp of the concussion stuff. 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. And then Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City has always been one of my favorites. Its just a cool place., Oh boy, a couple of those. Odds & lines subject to change. 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. Elways competitive drive helped him work through the mental challenges of rehabilitation. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. When the Broncos open training camp next month, Antonopulos wont be on the sidelines for the first time since 1975. Steve Greek Antonopulos, head trainer for the Denver Broncos, has announced his retirement from the NFL after 45 years with the team. 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. 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. Now hes walking away for good as hes going to retire where he grew up on the eastern plains. A native of North Dakota and graduate of Kansas State, OHalloran previously covered the Washington Redskins for eight years, primarily at The Washington Times, and the Jacksonville Jaguars for six years at The Florida Times-Union. It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. A fellow trainer at Fort Hays was Jim Gillen, who later became the head athletic trainer for the Denver Nuggets. 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 one other was (running back) Rob Lytle back in the day. Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson put on a show Saturday at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, making history during his highly anticipated workout. Rainy. Antonopulos became head trainer in 1979 making him what is believed to be the longest-tenured trainer in NFL history. If you dont have passion, you are in the wrong field. Probably the most loyal employee the team has had and will ever have, Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis said in a phone interview. Antonopulos, 72, has worked with the Broncos for nearly 50 years, making his the longest career with one team in NFL history. His salary is around $10 million and his main source of income is from his career as a business executive. Steve "Greek" Antonopulos, the Broncos' director of sports medicine, is entering his 44th season with the team. I just think Pat trusted Greek more than any other employee he ever had working for him, Ellis said. > Above video: Steve Antonopulos introduces Pat Bowlen at NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The Broncos will name their training room after Antonopulos. In my mind -- like I told him the other day -- I don't think he's retired. 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 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. We went a day early and went to see the Celtics play the Bulls. Please check your email for a confirmation. 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. 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. The Broncos will have a new person as the head of their training staff for the first time in a long time. Antonopulos, 72, whom most everyone with the team and in the league knows simply as "Greek," has been with the Broncos since 1976. He worked 941 total games, during which Denver went 438-311-1 in the regular season/playoffs. 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. Fangio also added that "I have hard time believing that Greek is really retired. We always worked with Craig Hospital and the concussion experts and developed our protocols, which are similar to some that are used today. His Bronco days started in 1976. Broncos to rename training room for Steve Antonopulos, honor him at a Broncos game. Awesome was Antonopulos longevity in the often-unstable world of the NFL. With unmatched dedication and loyalty to the Broncos, Greek became a trusted confidant for so many coaches, staff members and especially Pat Bowlen. How did Antonopulos survive so many regime changes? Steve Antonopulos, known as "Greek," has retired from his position as athletic trainer for the Denver Broncos after 45 years with the team. Denver's tale of the tape under Antonopulos: 941 total games (incl. NFL/PFATS Athletic Training Staff of the Year Award, The National Athletic Trainers Association Athletic Trainer Service Award, NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award. Ill see you in the morning. And that morning, we went in and he looked at me, and we just lost it. Broncos head trainer Steve Antonopulos, who is in his 40th season with the team, was presented with a painting created by noted artist Gabe Richesson. Even before taking his first snap with the Broncos, he tore his left knees ACL in high school. Allen called me the first week of July. I always thought that might zing me one day.. 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.. 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. ", Broncos coach Vic Fangio said following Monday's OTA practice: "45 years of service to one organization is unheard of in the NFL, and that speaks volumes to his competency and the value he brought to this organization over such a long period of time.". Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson is "fired up" to work with Washington's new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Steve Antonopulos assists injured QB John Elway at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. on Sunday Jan.12, 1992. Tonight, we celebrated head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos. He was obviously an astute trainer, but also an arrive-early, leave-late, stay-in-his-lane employee. My wife deserves this and we need to move on, Antonopulos said in a phone interview Sunday with The Denver Post. After the 1980 season, he was elevated to head trainer and split his old salary in half to hire two assistants. The one other was (running back) Rob Lytle back in the day. He leaves big shoes to fill at the organization. They required him to go there for a physical. For 45 years, athletic trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos has been the epitome of what the Denver Broncos are all about.Greek, there arent words to describe the impact youve had on our organization, and we wish you nothing but the very best in retirement!#ThankYouGreek pic.twitter.com/HAKN6t7S7P. Head Athletic Trainer 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. Broncos Athletic Trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos is retiring after 45 seasons with the team. On August 3, the Broncos organization came together to celebrate 40 years of service by Greek. Jiminy Christmas, Im humbled; what an awesome thing, he said. His physical was first thing in the morning. 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. Its just a cool place., Oh boy, a couple of those. Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos retires after 45-year Broncos career Counting players on training camp roster, Steve Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. The two went on to lead theteam in tackles lastseason. I woke him up. We went a day early and went to see the Celtics play the Bulls. Ill have to say, back in the day, we always felt we were on the cusp of the concussion stuff. "the Greek" and considered by many of his peers as tops in his profession, has worked for coaches Red Miller, Dan Reeves, Wade Phillips and Mike Shanahan as the Bronco. And these team doctors, for licensed medical doctors they are, can earn in the range of $200,000 and $512,500 per year. Our organization wishes him the very best in his retirement. San Diego: Head Athletic Trainer Steve Antonopulos glances at the Vince Lombardi Trophy in the locker during the post-game celebration. Here's a look. 1. 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. Players are not treated as replaceable pieces of football productivity. 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. 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.. 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). 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. He took a year off from football, resuming play without an ACL for the remainder of his career. ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? Greek does sustained hard work with players that benefits in indirect ways. There are no set work hours for an athletic trainer in the NFL. 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. Will they play well again? 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. By Tim Lynch @TimLynch1978 Jun 7, 2021, 8:50am MDT Share this story. Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett spoke with media members on Friday for the first time since his arrest for public intoxication in late January. Not a member? 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. An interesting couple days and we had a great time.. In 2017, Antonopulos was promoted to the teams director of sports medicine, where he oversaw all aspects of the clubs training and rehabilitation process. Not only did the club pick up Gotsis in the draft, but the Broncos chose running back Devontae Booker, who recently had two surgical procedures on a torn meniscus. "Greek" is in his 41st year with the #Broncos! Counting players on training camp roster, Steve Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. The weather was awful. Greeks success there was evident as TD would go on to dominate the second half and lead Denver to its first Super Bowl championship. "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. I was blessed to be a part of the elation of that. Sign up for the Broncos Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. 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. We congratulate Greek and thank him for a truly remarkable, special run with the Denver Broncos. 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. pic.twitter.com/N8K1CSmUdg, Kami Carmann (@KamiCarmann) August 4, 2016. 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. I love caring for people. Sleeting. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. Allen called me the first week of July. The award is given annually to a NFL trainer who best exemplifies a long-term commitment to the NFL, as well as exemplary performance. Steve Antonopulos will go down as one of the best athletic trainers in the history of the NFL. Celebrating 40 years of service On August 3, the Broncos organization came together to . Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos with Jim Gillen talk being head athletic trainers https://t.co/nTFo5XtbrK, R. David Mullin (@RD_Mullin) August 17, 2016. The Drive was so special. "It didn't matter if they were a Hall of Famer or an undrafted rookie -- his standard never changed. Rick Massie was a receiver from Kentucky. 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. That poor guy. Practice is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. From 1:30 to 3 p.m. we work on post practice treatments. We sincerely thank his wife Susan and the entire Antonopulos family for sharing Greek with us for so many years.". Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott's cap hit might be rising in 2023, but owner Jerry Jones believes his quarterback has the ability to bridge the gap in any talent the roster might lose because of it. Antonopulos has been an athletic trainer for the Denver Broncos for a total of 941 games. Former Broncos coach Gary Kubiak, who arrived to the Broncos as a rookie . His 43 years with the Broncos is believed to be the longest tenure by an athletic trainer with one NFL team. 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. Greek goes to bed early because he gets here about 4 in the morning or 4:30 in the morning. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. In 2005, Greek said: The initial treatment wasicing, compression, and elevation (ICE). A typical day for me starts at 4 a.m. It's an annual position that becomes even more demanding during training camp and the season. In honor of his impact & dedication these last 45 years, were naming the training room after Steve Greek Antonopulos. Over that time, Antonopulos worked all eight Super Bowls that the Broncos have appeared in. Like Antonopulos, Garcia got his bachelors degree from Northern Colorado. I love the energy required to survive in this game. 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. For me, Ill always remember Antonopulos for the clips he dominated from Super Bowl 32 when Terrell Davis went down with a migraine in the second quarter. 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. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. preseason), 438 total wins, 13 head coaches, 983 players with at least one game appearance. Instead of cutting the tackle, Denver traded him and gaineda future fifth-round draft pick. 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. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/08/denver-broncos-news-steve-greek-antonopulos-retires-as-trainer/, 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. He told me after the fact he was going to take a half-hour (for the interview) and be on his way, Antonopulos said. 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. I thought I would be (at Fort Hays) my whole career, Antonopulos said. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. 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. They see their players physical and emotional fragility. 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. "Steve Antonopulos is what the Denver Broncos are all about," John Elway aptly summed up on the Broncos' website. 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. Scissors, tape remover, whirlpools, ultrasound gel, and treatment tables. Anthopoulos successful career has earned him some luxurious lifestyles and some fancy cars. 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. Antonopulos is the only Broncos employee who has been to all eight Super Bowls. Championships are made on practice fields; championships are also made in training rooms and rehab gyms. After Greeks retirement was announced, team president/CEO Joe Ellis released the following statement: 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. I told him that, and he said. Steve Antonopulos is retiring from the Denver Broncos after 45 years with the team.
Wokingham Hospital Memory Clinic,
Civil Service Annual Leave Dwp,
The Mountain Laura Ding Edwards Pdf,
Katy Ricketts Leaving Gmb,
Nha Ccma Quizlet 2020,
Articles S
steve antonopulos salary