2023 NFL Scouting Combine results: Defensive linemen and linebackers. You'll now receive the top Broncos Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. We went a day early and went to see the Celtics play the Bulls. The Broncos had never been to the playoffs and had just two winning seasons before Antonopulos arrived. Of . Adhesive bandages, electrodes, ice bags, and kinesiology tape. We certainly wouldnt have gone to Cheers had we known it would take that long. Legendary Broncos Trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos Retires I love the relationships I have developed over the years. Broncos Athletic Trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos is retiring after 45 seasons with the team. Could they look to sign a veteran? 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 Broncos will have a new person as the head of their training staff for the first time in a long time. "Greek" is in his 41st year with the #Broncos! The Denver Broncos head trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos has retired from the NFL after 45 years with the team. Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTERto getcant-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered righttoyour inbox. I went and got a summer job on the state highway back home that summer and I was getting married. Broncos athletic trainer Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos retiring after 45 With unmatched dedication and loyalty to the Broncos, Greek became a trusted confidant for so many coaches, staff members and especially Pat Bowlen. 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. 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. Few peoplenoticed that Smyth also tweeted this on the first day of the NFL draft: https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2016/08/17/steve-greek-antonopulos-is-the-broncos-12th-man/, Greek is nothing short of a consummate professional, reconstructive techniques were not available for Elway, 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. Ill have to say, back in the day, we always felt we were on the cusp of the concussion stuff. I thought I would be (at Fort Hays) my whole career, Antonopulos said. Professional football players endure incessant chronic pain in the playing days and beyond. Broncos trainer Steve Antonopulos retires after 45 seasons Denver will also honor Steve Antonopulos at one of their home games during the 2021 season. It is their livelihood, and it hurts to see them be injured and not be able to perform. Please logout and login again. He earned the head trainer position in 1979. XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? I use the time to work out and do administrative tasks. In all he was on the sideline for 941 games (preseason, regular season and postseason) and worked for 13 different head coaches. 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! 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. When I committed to come back for this past season, I told John (Elway), This is it. It didnt matter if they were a Hall of Famer or an undrafted rookiehis standard never changed. 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. Antonopulos is the only Broncos employee who has been to all eight Super Bowls. Is the job worth the derision? 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 Antonopulos is the only Denver Broncos employee that has been with the team through all eight Super Bowl appearances, which included three title victories. Marshall had several screws to hold together a foot while Travathan had major reconstruction surgery on his knee cap. 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. General manager John Elway toldDenver Posts Nicki Jhabvala: Elway on Gotsis: "A guy we think has a really high *ceiling. 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. Counting players on training camp roster, Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. "No one cared more about the players than Greek," Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis said in a statement. Tonight, we celebrated head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos. "Steve Antonopulos is what the Denver Broncos are all about," John Elway aptly summed up on the Broncos' website. He has been recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors seven times for his work. 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. 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. ", Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) April 30, 2016. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. 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. 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. Find contact's direct phone number, email address, work history, and more. When the Broncos open training camp next month, Antonopulos wont be on the sidelines for the first time since 1975. He told me after the fact he was going to take a half-hour (for the interview) and be on his way, Antonopulos said. 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. I was blessed to be a part of the elation of that. Jiminy Christmas, Im humbled; what an awesome thing, he said. They required him to go there for a physical. In 2005, Greek said: The initial treatment wasicing, compression, and elevation (ICE). We allowed the soft tissues to heal and put him on a strengthening program and he played in about 10 days. 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. Broncos' sports medicine director retiring after 45 seasons - AP NEWS He had a fear of flying. Broncos' long time trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos retires And these team doctors, for licensed medical doctors they are, can earn in the range of $200,000 and $512,500 per year. He worked under three owners and 10 head coaches and was a part of 22 playoff teams and three Super Bowl champions. 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. Longtime head athletic trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos is retiring after 45 years with the club, the team announced Monday. 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. The best thing is stay in your domain, stay at your desk and work your rear end off.. The award is given annually to a NFL trainer who best exemplifies a long-term commitment to the NFL, as well as exemplary performance. If youre doing something you love, you dont watch the clock or think about it, he said. There are a hundred athletic trainers currently employed in the NFL and the average salary for those trainers is about $75,000, a figure that can rise to $100,000 depending on experience. "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," said team President and CEO Joe Ellis. Please check your email for a confirmation. Jun 07, 2021 at 08:45 AM. Steve Antonopulos announced his retirement on Monday. 20 in NFLPA ranking of clubs based on locker rooms, food service, travel and more, Sean Payton very excited to have Vance Joseph as Broncos DC after four years in Arizona, Broncos HC Sean Payton hiring Northwestern assistant Lou Ayeni as RB coach, sources say, Brought to you by Prairie Mountain Publishing, Weld judge sentences Greeley man to 60 years for October 2020 murder, Fusco Pizza is a love letter to all things Greeley, Friday's Class 1A-3A regional/state hoops tournament roundup: Platte Valley girls begin quest for third consecutive title, Windsor girls switch to rarely used 2-3 zone en route to win over Mead in quarterfinals of 5A playoffs, Weld and Larimer counties retail food inspection reports, Greeley, Weld County Death Notices for March 3, 2023, Trial delayed for suspect in Investments of Windsor scam, Johnstown fisherman reels in the catch of a lifetime while traveling to Texas for son's junior hockey tournament, Weld RE-1 School District honored for commitment to nursing mothers on staff, 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. I never worked a day in my life because I loved what I was doing so much and the organization was so classy. The Denver Broncos have leaned toward acquiring injured players during the offseason.Three of the top five draft picks had injuries that prevent them for full athletic participation in the rookie mini camp on May 6-8. Denver Broncos Long-Time Athletic Trainer Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos He worked under three owners and 10 head coaches and was a part of 22 playoff teams and three Super Bowl champions. Vince Garcia. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Jaguars won't spend big, but here are five players they could target in free agency, The most memorable pre-NFL draft workouts ever: Coaches, scouts, execs make their picks, 2023 NFL franchise tag tracker: Raiders tag Josh Jacobs, the NFL's rushing leader. John Elways pro football career had bookends of torn up body parts. At the moment it is week-by-week. Veteran free agentRussell Okung, the starting left tackle, was signed during the offseason while recovering from shoulder surgery. For a 2 p.m. start, he comes tothe stadium at 7:30 a.m. You must be logged in to leave a comment. 2 / 24. An interesting couple days and we had a great time.. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Now hes walking away for good as hes going to retire where he grew up on the eastern plains. I woke him up. 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. He had a fear of flying. Antonopulos graduated from the University of Northern Colorado. I told him that, and he said. Denver Broncos athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos, who recently retired this offseason, was the longest tenured athletic trainer in the NFL. You'll now receive the top Broncos Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. Toward the end Elways ripped bicep. Greek does sustained hard work with players that benefits in indirect ways. 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. Steve "Greek" Antonopulos, the Broncos' director of sports medicine, is entering his 44th season with the team. 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. 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. 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. By 1987 he received the NFL/Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS) award for Training Staff of the Year. I just think Pat trusted Greek more than any other employee he ever had working for him, Ellis said. but it can also be stressful. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- After a career that spanned 45 years with the Denver Broncos, director of sports medicine Steve Antonopulos has retired. He was named Colorado Sportswriter of the Year in 2019. After becoming head athletic trainer for the South Metro Fire Rescue in Centennial from 2014-15, Garcia rejoined the Broncos training staff as Antonopulos top assistant in 2016. That way, we are either working with them or doing administrative work. We thought it would be (quick). 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? It was embarrassing, the whole concept. Even before taking his first snap with the Broncos, he tore his left knees ACL in high school. 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. I loved the job, loved the place and there would be only one position I would leave there for the Denver Broncos.. For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. pic.twitter.com/QngbUDNhEI. He worked 941 total games, during which Denver went 438-311-1 in the regular season/playoffs. Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos retires as Denver Broncos' head trainer We sincerely thank his wife Susan and the entire Antonopulos family for sharing Greek with us for so many years. Awesome was Antonopulos longevity in the often-unstable world of the NFL. Broncos' sports medicine director retiring after 45 seasons - AP NEWS 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 Antonopulos announced his retirement on Monday. No other NFL trainer has treated a teams general manager, head coach, offensive coordinator and current roster of players. Your login session has expired. In all those years, I never tried to figure out how many hours I worked.. Antonopulos service was rewarded in 2019 when the Bowlen family named him as presenter to longtime Broncos owner Pat Bowlen for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Ryan OHalloran covered the Broncos for The Post from 2018-22 and has covered the NFL since 2004. Former Broncos coach Gary Kubiak, who arrived to the Broncos as a rookie quarterback in 1983 and spent well over two decades with the franchise himself, has joked that Antonopulos was with the Broncos before the orange and blue in the uniforms. Of course, Greek does not do this single-handedly. 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 said in a phone interview Sunday with The Denver Post. Ill see you in the morning. And that morning, we went in and he looked at me, and we just lost it. 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. He took a year off from football, resuming play without an ACL for the remainder of his career. That was a tremendous victory in Broncos history. What a run. 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. Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis had this to say about Antonopulos during a phone interview with the Denver Post. Fangio also added that "I have hard time believing that Greek is really retired. My wife deserves this and we need to move on, Antonopulos said in a phone interview Sunday with The Denver Post. (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. 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. pic.twitter.com/VZ4LHDGcb7, Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) April 30, 2016. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- After a career that spanned 45 years with the Denver Broncos, director of sports medicine Steve Antonopulos has retired. Your login session has expired. (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. Is hard reset only way to salvage Jets QB dilemma? Register now! Enjoying Sportskeeda's coverage? Celebrating 40 years of service On August 3, the Broncos organization came together to . Antonopulos joined the Broncos as assistant athletic trainer in 1976 . Instead of cutting the tackle, Denver traded him and gaineda future fifth-round draft pick. 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. It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. I am an early person, and I learned years ago I need some time by myself before anyone gets here. I was blessed to be a part of the elation of that. Broncos' longtime trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos promoted to He worked 941 total games, during which Denver went 438-311-1 in the regular season/playoffs. Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos to serve as Pat Bowlen's HOF presenter The one other was (running back) Rob Lytle back in the day. He treated 983 players who've appeared in at least one playoff and regular-season game for the Denver Broncos. Antonopulos grew up in Hugo, Colo., 105 miles southeast of Mile High Stadium. Broncos' Athletic Trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos is retiring after 45 seasons with the team. Greek was the recipient of the2011 Fain-Cain Memorial Award at the NFL Physicians Society Scientific Annual Meeting. 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. Denver Broncos: Vic Fangio's funny take on Steve Antonopulos retiring We had a few of those guys, but he was to the hilt. He is believed to be the longest-tenured trainer with one team in NFL history, and Greek is the. Elways competitive drive helped him work through the mental challenges of rehabilitation. 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. He is the only individual to be part of all eight Broncos Super Bowl runs. It was embarrassing, the whole concept. The Drive was so special. In my mind -- like I told him the other day -- I don't think he's retired. (photos via Broncos photo archive, unless noted) 1 / 24. It was phenomenal. A fellow trainer at Fort Hays was Jim Gillen, who later became the head athletic trainer for the Denver Nuggets. Although not given the recognition they so often deserve, NFL athletic trainers are some of the most important support staff members in any organization. His motto was defend your desk. And the only way to defend your desk, Antonopulos would say, is to be at your desk. April 12, 2017 at 10:38 a.m. Head Athletic Trainer Yet behind closed doors they respond to the ordinary, commonplace maladies of bruises, lacerations, soft tissue tears, and broken bones. The 2023 NFL Combine is underway. > Above video: Steve Antonopulos introduces Pat Bowlen at NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Antonopulos joined the Broncos as an assistant trainer in 1976, became head athletic trainer in 1981 and was promoted to the role of director of sports medicine in 2016. 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. Elway mentioned Greeks help in his Hall of Fame induction speech in 2004. "A great, great guy, as well as a great ambassador.". I love caring for people. Were on the tarmac going to play San Diego. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! With unmatched dedication and loyalty to the Broncos, Greek became a trusted confidant for so many coaches, staff members and especially Pat Bowlen. 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. Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett spoke with media members on Friday for the first time since his arrest for public intoxication in late January.

How Old Is Jamil Hardwick, What Kind Of Cancer Did Landon Mcbroom Have, Articles S