Denver's tale of the tape under Antonopulos: 941 total games (incl. It was phenomenal. They required him to go there for a physical. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Broncos' Athletic Trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos is retiring after 45 seasons with the team. No other NFL trainer has treated a teams general manager, head coach, offensive coordinator and current roster of players. "No one cared more about the players than Greek. pic.twitter.com/6YiWPEJddX, David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) February 8, 2016. My philosophy was if you do your job and do a good job, theyll get to you. 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. It wasnt really an injury. The Broncos accurate confidence about Gotsis recovery greatly depended on the assessment and follow-through bythe mancalled Greek at the clubs UCHealth Training Center. Denver Broncos headlines, game previews and interviews with our 9NEWS insider Mike Klis. Athletic trainers are witnesses to the magic and myth of extraordinary athletic feats. Denver Broncos athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos, who recently retired this offseason, was the longest tenured athletic trainer in the NFL. When I committed to come back for this past season, I told John (Elway), This is it. The Drive was so special. Championships are made on practice fields; championships are also made in training rooms and rehab gyms. Although not given the recognition they so often deserve, NFL athletic trainers are some of the most important support staff members in any organization. > Above video: Steve Antonopulos introduces Pat Bowlen at NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (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. In all those years, I never tried to figure out how many hours I worked.. 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. 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. My wife deserves this and we need to move on,' Antonopulos told Ryan OHalloran of the Denver Post. I am an early person, and I learned years ago I need some time by myself before anyone gets here. Please check your email for a confirmation. Five hours later, he was driving me 80 miles an hour down I-25 so I could get to the basketball game that night. From Left to Right: Dustin Little, Josh Hartman, Steve Antonopulos, Michael Sundeen, and Billy-Joe Voltaire. Since it happened in 1978,reconstructive techniques were not available for Elway. Denver will also honor Steve Antonopulos at one of their home games during the 2021 season. I was making good money on the highway and going to college. Here's a list of accomplishments that Steve Antonopulos earned with the Denver Broncos. 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.. My wife deserves this and we need to move on, Antonopulos said in a phone interview Sunday with The Denver Post. They see their players physical and emotional fragility. Broncos Athletic Trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos is retiring after 45 seasons with the team. Listen, I really appreciate you calling me. He researched the previous seasons hamstring injury sustained by running back Otis Armstrong and put together a treatment/rehabilitation plan to present to Hurst. It is still early in the process. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- After a career that spanned 45 years with the Denver Broncos, director of sports medicine Steve Antonopulos has retired. 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.. Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson is "fired up" to work with Washington's new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. 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. "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. Included in the Broncos' draft room is trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos, who is working his 41st NFL Draft. 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. Antonopulos joined the Broncos as assistant athletic trainer in 1976 . I love the challenges that are presented each day. Please logout and login again. By 1987 he received the NFL/Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS) award for Training Staff of the Year. Its just a cool place., Oh boy, a couple of those. He was named Colorado Sportswriter of the Year in 2019. Steve Antonopulos announced his retirement on Monday. Antonopulos called working for the Broncos a lifes dream., A lot of people say that, but it was the reality for me, he said. Anthopoulos successful career has earned him some luxurious lifestyles and some fancy cars. Allen called me the first week of July. I love the relationships I have developed over the years. 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. It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. Greek does sustained hard work with players that benefits in indirect ways. I love being around young people who keep me young. Probably the most loyal employee the team has had and will ever have, Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis said in a phone interview. Rick Massie was a receiver from Kentucky. If youre doing something you love, you dont watch the clock or think about it, he said. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.. 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. Former Broncos coach Gary Kubiak, who arrived to the Broncos as a rookie . You'll now receive the top Broncos Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. The Denver Broncos hired Steve Antonopulos as their assistant trainer in 1976. Broncos Athletic Trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos is retiring after 45 seasons with the team. 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. Awesome was Antonopulos longevity in the often-unstable world of the NFL. His physical was first thing in the morning. Toward the end Elways ripped bicep. Greek has four assistants and many intern athletic trainers. At the moment, Im just completely thrilled to be a Denver Bronco and I cant wait to get up there. 'Defend My Desk' How did Antonopulos survive so many regime changes? With unmatched dedication and loyalty to the Broncos, Greek became a trusted confidant for so many coaches, staff members and especially Pat Bowlen. Before the 2020 season, Steve told John Elway that the 2020-2021 season would be his final one as an athletic trainer. 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. His salary is around $10 million and his main source of income is from his career as a business executive. Five hours later, he was driving me 80 miles an hour down I-25 so I could get to the basketball game that night. "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," Broncos president and CEO Joe Ellis said in a statement. Adhesive bandages, electrodes, ice bags, and kinesiology tape. He held the post until 2016, after which he transitioned into his role as director of sports medicine for four years. 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. He was obviously an astute trainer, but also an arrive-early, leave-late, stay-in-his-lane employee. 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. 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. If you do not acknowledge the unique importance of Greek, then you chronically underestimate the Broncos. 41-yrs! 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Call 1-800-GAMBLER. (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. June 9, 2021 6:00 am MT. He had a fear of flying. That was a tremendous victory in Broncos history. It's spanned 900. 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. 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. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. The Denver Post caught up with Steve Antonopulos, and during the interview, Antonopulos explained his reasoning behind his retirement. Athletic trainers have one of the more important jobs on a professional sports team, especially in the NFL. I thought I would be (at Fort Hays) my whole career, Antonopulos said. 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. All three are full training camp participants. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! My wife deserves this and we need to move on, Antonopulos said in a phone interview Sunday with The Denver Post. I was blessed to be a part of the elation of that. It was pretty much a no-brainer when somebody puts in that amount of time, Ellis said. I love the energy required to survive in this game. 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. I have never had a day that I dreaded coming to work. During his time as a trainer, the Denver Broncos posted a 438-311-1 record. 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. He served as President of PFATS from 2003 to 2008. 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. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! Kentucky's Will Levis, a likely top-10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, spoke Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine and -- in under 15 minutes -- presented himself as arguably the most self-assured QB in this year's class.