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. View Steve Antonopulos's business profile as Head AT at Denver Broncos. Steve Antonopulos has been the head trainer for the Broncos ever since. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. In 2005, Greek said: The initial treatment wasicing, compression, and elevation (ICE). They see players near impossible athletic feats, creating the illusion of invincibility. Allen called me the first week of July. @Grindin_59 never saw this happening: https://t.co/62EHR6aweP pic.twitter.com/2ns3HQOWc3. It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. Broncos director of sports medicine Steve Antonopulos has been selected by the family of owner Pat Bowlen to present him at the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony Aug. 3 in Canton, Ohio. NFL/PFATS Athletic Training Staff of the Year Award, The National Athletic Trainers Association Athletic Trainer Service Award, NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award. We certainly wouldnt have gone to Cheers had we known it would take that long. 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. Greek has four assistants and many intern athletic trainers. The team announced the long-time athletic trainer's retirement on Monday. A good trainers room is filled with the mundane, bathed in the light of here-and-now reality. He told me after the fact he was going to take a half-hour (for the interview) and be on his way, Antonopulos said. What a run. Be the first one to comment on this story. 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. Enjoying Sportskeeda's coverage? Antonopulos became head trainer in 1979 making him what is believed to be the longest-tenured trainer in NFL history. Rick Massie was a receiver from Kentucky. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. After treating nearly 1,000 different players during the past 45 years, Steve Greek Antonopulos has retired as Broncos trainer. A look at Steve "Greek" Antonopulos' 41 years as the Broncos' head athletic trainer. In all he was on the sideline for 941 games (preseason, regular season and postseason) and worked for 13 different head coaches. 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. 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. Be the first one to comment on this story. Steve Antonopulos assists injured QB John Elway at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. on Sunday Jan.12, 1992. Running back could be a sneaky priority need for 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.. The longest-tenured employee in Denver Broncos history is hanging them up. Fangio also added that "I have hard time believing that Greek is really retired. He was the team's head trainer for 37 seasons and spent the past four seasons as the director of sports medicine. That poor guy. 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. 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. Anthopoulos successful career has earned him some luxurious lifestyles and some fancy cars. In 2017, Antonopulos was promoted to the teams director of sports medicine, where he oversaw all aspects of the clubs training and rehabilitation process. After the 1980 season, he was elevated to head trainer and split his old salary in half to hire two assistants. After the 1980 season, he was elevated to head trainer and split his old salary in half to hire two assistants. They see their players physical and emotional fragility. 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. Were on the tarmac going to play San Diego. We had a few of those guys, but he was to the hilt. Counting players on training camp roster, Steve Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. 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. With the Broncos, Greek transitioned to specialize in rehabilitation and was promoted to head trainer in 1980. Steve Greek Antonopulos, head trainer for the Denver Broncos, has announced his retirement from the NFL after 45 years with the team. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. My philosophy was if you do your job and do a good job, theyll get to you. I work for a great organization that cares about people. Jun 07, 2021 at 08:45 AM. "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. 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. "A great, great guy, as well as a great ambassador.". 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. Here's a look. 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. 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. He took a year off from football, resuming play without an ACL for the remainder of his career. The Broncos announced on Monday, June 7, 2021, that Antonopulos will retire after more than three decades as the team's trainer. We thought it would be (quick). 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. It is their livelihood, and it hurts to see them be injured and not be able to perform. Professional football players endure incessant chronic pain in the playing days and beyond. Players are not treated as replaceable pieces of football productivity. It was embarrassing, the whole concept. Here's a list of accomplishments that Steve Antonopulos earned with the Denver Broncos. It was phenomenal. My philosophy was if you do your job and do a good job, theyll get to you. And then Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City has always been one of my favorites. I love the energy required to survive in this game. 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 served as President of PFATS from 2003 to 2008. ", 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.". During the season, Antonopulos would often arrive at the facility around 4 a.m. and stay as late as required. Although there are many female coaches in the NFL, athletic training and strength and conditioning were among the first positions to be filled by women. During the season, Antonopulos would often arrive at the facility around 4 a.m. and stay as late as required. Steve 'Greek' Antonopulos retires after 45-year Broncos career Counting players on training camp roster, Steve Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. 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. Repeated selections of injured players shows the teams confidence in Greeks abilityto assess and treat injured players. 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. It didnt matter if they were a Hall of Famer or an undrafted rookiehis standard never changed. If they are working in an NFL medical facility it can be even more. Ill have to say, back in the day, we always felt we were on the cusp of the concussion stuff. 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. It paid $25 a week plus room and board, he said with a laugh. He closed the door and he went nuts again. My wife deserves this and we need to move on,' Antonopulos told Ryan OHalloran of the Denver Post. Hes been here north of 37 years, and every day, Mr. Bowlen started his day, by parking in the garage, coming up through the steps and stopping by Greeks office and chatting with him. Steve Antonopulos is retiring from the Denver Broncos after 45 years with the team. John Elways pro football career had bookends of torn up body parts. In fact over his NFL career Elway ran for3,407 yards and 33 touchdowns. 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. Is the job worth the derision? I never worked a day in my life because I loved what I was doing so much and the organization was so classy. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! Even before taking his first snap with the Broncos, he tore his left knees ACL in high school. From Left to Right: Dustin Little, Josh Hartman, Steve Antonopulos, Michael Sundeen, and Billy-Joe Voltaire. I use the time to work out and do administrative tasks. 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). 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. That was a tremendous victory in Broncos history. I love my job. 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). Please check your email for a confirmation. He is also fully practicing. Ill have to say, back in the day, we always felt we were on the cusp of the concussion stuff. "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. Steve Antonopulos, known as "Greek," has retired from his position as athletic trainer for the Denver Broncos after 45 years with the team. By 1987 he received the NFL/Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS) award for Training Staff of the Year. Probably the most loyal employee the team has had and will ever have, Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis said in a phone interview. On August 3, the Broncos organization came together to celebrate 40 years of service by Greek. After the 1980 season, he was elevated to head trainer and split his old salary in half to hire two assistants. 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. Example video title will go here for this video. He treated 983 players who've appeared in at least one playoff and regular-season game for the Denver Broncos. The best thing is stay in your domain, stay at your desk and work your rear end off.. 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. 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. During his 45-year career with the Broncos, Steve Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. I love the relationships I have developed over the years. Awesome was Antonopulos longevity in the often-unstable world of the NFL. 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. All three are full training camp participants. The fans are incredible and it was the first of the modern stadiums in the old days. Tedious repetitions of arm pulls and leg lifts. We went a day early and went to see the Celtics play the Bulls. 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. 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. He arrived most days at 4:30 a.m. and was often the last to leave team headquarters at night. They required him to go there for a physical. When I committed to come back for this past season, I told John [Elway], This is it. How did Antonopulos survive so many regime changes? Elways competitive drive helped him work through the mental challenges of rehabilitation. What a run. There are team physicians, such as head team physician Martin Boublik of Steadman Hawkins Clinic-Denver. I never worked a day in my life because I loved what I was doing so much and the organization was so classy. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. It's an annual position that becomes even more demanding during training camp and the season. I love being around young people who keep me young. He was Bowlen's presenter when Bowlen was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2019. 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 money. It didnt matter if they were a Hall of Famer or an undrafted rookiehis standard never changed. Longtime head athletic trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos is retiring after 45 years with the club, the team announced Monday. The Drive was so special. In all those years, I never tried to figure out how many hours I worked.. Antonopulos forged strong relationships with coaches and players alike and had a particularly close bond with late owner Pat Bowlen, who bought the Broncos in 1984. ThenBroncos head team physician, Ted Schlegel M.D., said when presenting the award: Greek is nothing short of a consummate professional. 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? Steve Antonopulos announced his retirement on Monday. 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.. He worked under three owners and 10 head coaches and was a part of 22 playoff teams and three Super Bowl champions. He worked 941 total games, during which Denver went 438-311-1 in the regular season/playoffs. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. I always thought that might zing me one day.. Broncos' Athletic Trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos is retiring after 45 seasons with the team. 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. 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. I went and got a summer job on the state highway back home that summer and I was getting married. His first chance came in the summer of 1969 when trainer Allen Hurst offered him an internship. Sign up for the Broncos Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. View Steve Antonopulos's record in Limon, CO including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. "Steve Antonopulos is what the Denver Broncos are all about," John Elway aptly summed up on the Broncos' website. 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 Broncos had never been to the playoffs and had just two winning seasons before Antonopulos arrived. An interesting couple days and we had a great time.. You'll now receive the top Broncos Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. 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. Past and current players including Peyton Manning and Von Miller . 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. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. According to the organization, Antonopulos' 45-year tenure is. It was pretty much a no-brainer when somebody puts in that amount of time, Ellis said. Their athletic body movements express their identity. Gambling problem? 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. Discussing his knee rehabilitation, Gotsis at the time said. General manager John Elway toldDenver Posts Nicki Jhabvala: Elway on Gotsis: "A guy we think has a really high *ceiling. XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? He had the fingernail on his thumb totally torn off and was bleeding all over the place. Over that time, Antonopulos worked all eight Super Bowls that the Broncos have appeared in. Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson put on a show Saturday at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, making history during his highly anticipated workout. I woke him up. I was blessed to be a part of the elation of that. In all those years, I never tried to figure out how many hours I worked.. I just think Pat trusted Greek more than any other employee he ever had working for him, Ellis said. He earned the head trainer position in 1979. The next, crippled. Vince Garcia, Denvers head athletic trainer, will presumably be a strong candidate to replace Greek. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! Is hard reset only way to salvage Jets QB dilemma? I thought I would be (at Fort Hays) my whole career, Antonopulos said. #NGWSD. With unmatched dedication and loyalty to the Broncos, Greek became a trusted confidant for so many coaches, staff members and especially Pat Bowlen. 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. 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. 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. You'll now receive the top Broncos Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. You have to understand he tore the long head of the bicep which is located in the shoulder joint. I am an early person, and I learned years ago I need some time by myself before anyone gets here. April 12, 2017 at 10:38 a.m. Antonopulos spent 45 years with the Denver Broncos and was the athletic trainer to over 1,500 NFL players. With unmatched dedication and loyalty to the Broncos, Greek became a trusted confidant for so many coaches, staff members and especially Pat Bowlen. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. If youre doing something you love, you dont watch the clock or think about it, he said. 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. His salary is around $10 million and his main source of income is from his career as a business executive. His physical was first thing in the morning.
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