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. The 2023 NFL Combine is underway. The Broncos will name their training room after Antonopulos. What a run. 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. Steve Antonopulos reaches out to injured linebacker Nick Greisen in Englewood, Colo., on Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. cant-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right, Players given Kratom by Colorado coach, police say, Skier Shiffrin's quest for 86th win extended after downhill, 77 inches of snow fall at Colorado ski area in 9 days, 'Greek' Antonopulos: Presenting Bowlen for HOF has been emotional time, 'Greek' on man he will present to HOF: 'Mr. FILE - Denver Broncos trainer Steve Antonopulos, center, talks with staff members during drills at the team's NFL football training camp in Englewood, Colo., in this July 19, 2019, file photo. Please check your email for a confirmation. It was phenomenal. Counting players on training camp roster, Antonopulos treated more than 1,500 players. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson put on a show Saturday at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, making history during his highly anticipated workout. I was blessed to be a part of the elation of that. That was a tremendous victory in Broncos history. Bowlen was football first, business second'. I thought I would be (at Fort Hays) my whole career, Antonopulos said. 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. Rather respecting them in their most important roles as sons, brothers, fathers, and husbands. Here's a look. 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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? Antonopulos became head trainer in 1979 making him what is believed to be the longest-tenured trainer in NFL history. The Denver Post caught up with Steve Antonopulos, and during the interview, Antonopulos explained his reasoning behind his retirement. 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. 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. Before the 2020 season, Steve told John Elway that the 2020-2021 season would be his final one as an athletic trainer. The elation and what historically happened there for the Broncos was unbelievable., The old Kingdome in Seattle was a great place because of the crowd noise and it was a good place to travel. We went a day early and went to see the Celtics play the Bulls. It was embarrassing, the whole concept. Greek received both Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Northern Colorado, and began his athletic trainer career at Fort Hays State University in Kansas in 1973, working there until 1976. If they are working in an NFL medical facility it can be even more. Rick Massie was a receiver from Kentucky. In all those years, I never tried to figure out how many hours I worked.. 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 loved the job, loved the place and there would be only one position I would leave there for the Denver Broncos.. He is one of the richest baseball managers in Canada. With unmatched dedication and loyalty to the Broncos, Greek became a trusted confidant for so many coaches, staff members and especially Pat Bowlen. We always worked with Craig Hospital and the concussion experts and developed our protocols, which are similar to some that are used today. Forty-five years is a long time. 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 thought I would be (at Fort Hays) my whole career, Antonopulos said. He is also fully practicing. 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. When I committed to come back for this past season, I told John (Elway), This is it. 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. In 2017, Antonopulos was promoted to the teams director of sports medicine, where he oversaw all aspects of the clubs training and rehabilitation process. 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. XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? 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. 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. 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. Were on the tarmac going to play San Diego. Steve (Greek) Antonopulos was the first one. Connor McGovern had a hamstring problem. 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. The team announced the long-time athletic trainer's retirement on Monday. Be the first one to comment on this story. He was obviously an astute trainer, but also an arrive-early, leave-late, stay-in-his-lane employee. Antonopulos grew up in Hugo, Colo., 105 miles southeast of Mile High Stadium. The Moving can be an exciting experience. I use the time to work out and do administrative tasks. I love my job. Repeated selections of injured players shows the teams confidence in Greeks abilityto assess and treat injured players. Here are those results. The very best of medical practitioners effortlesslyblend sincere empathy and proficient treatment with their patients. With unmatched dedication and loyalty to the Broncos, Greek became a trusted confidant for so many coaches, staff members and especially Pat Bowlen. 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. Your login session has expired. 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. Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett spoke with media members on Friday for the first time since his arrest for public intoxication in late January. Denver will also honor Steve Antonopulos at one of their home games during the 2021 season. (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. ", 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.". Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTERto getcant-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered righttoyour inbox. Denver will rename the training room at UCHealth Training Center the Steve "Greek" Antonopulos Training Room and will recognize the trainer at a home game this season. Antonopulos treated 983 players who appeared in at least one regular season/playoff game for the Broncos. Antonopulos, 72, has worked with the Broncos for nearly 50 years, making his the longest career with one team in NFL history. Former Broncos coach Gary Kubiak, who arrived to the Broncos as a rookie . He held the post until 2016, after which he transitioned into his role as director of sports medicine for four years. I love the challenges that are presented each day. Greek was there to give head coach Mike Shanahan continual updates as he worked to treat TDs migraine. 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. Director of Operations Bill Horpel is hidden behind the trophy against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998. @Grindin_59 never saw this happening: https://t.co/62EHR6aweP pic.twitter.com/2ns3HQOWc3. "A great, great guy, as well as a great ambassador.". Over that time, Antonopulos worked all eight Super Bowls that the Broncos have appeared in. 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. 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. And these team doctors, for licensed medical doctors they are, can earn in the range of $200,000 and $512,500 per year. pic.twitter.com/QngbUDNhEI. We had a few of those guys, but he was to the hilt. The Denver Broncos hired Steve Antonopulos as their assistant trainer in 1976. He had a fear of flying. All three are full training camp participants. Not a member? NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. 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. 'Defend My Desk' How did Antonopulos survive so many regime changes? 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 . Running back could be a sneaky priority need for the Denver Broncos. Sign up for the Broncos Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Veteran free agentRussell Okung, the starting left tackle, was signed during the offseason while recovering from shoulder surgery. 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. Ill always be a Bronco.. Denver Broncos trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos has retired after 45 years with the franchise, the team announced Monday. The fans are incredible and it was the first of the modern stadiums in the old days. He was obviously an astute trainer, but also an arrive-early, leave-late, stay-in-his-lane employee. 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. The one other was (running back) Rob Lytle back in the day. Steve Antonopulos, known as "Greek," has retired from his position as athletic trainer for the Denver Broncos after 45 years with the team. 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. He is believed to be the longest-tenured trainer with one team in NFL history, and Greek is the. 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. Gotsis had yet to be treated by the man crucial to his draft selection and his successful knee rehabilitation, head athletic trainerSteve Antonopulos. Toward the end Elways ripped bicep. 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. His 43 years with the Broncos is believed to be the longest tenure by an athletic trainer with one NFL team. 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. After the 1980 season, he was elevated to head trainer and split his old salary in half to hire two assistants. Vince Garcia, Denvers head athletic trainer, will presumably be a strong candidate to replace Greek. "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. My wife deserves this and we need to move on, Antonopulos said in a phone interview Sunday with The Denver Post. It didn't matter if they were a Hall of Famer or an undrafted rookie -- his standard never changed. It was dreary. 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.. Horse Tracks: Should the Broncos spend big money on a free agent running back. 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 love the relationships I have developed over the years. pic.twitter.com/MB6he9cRUp, Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 4, 2016. Players are not treated as replaceable pieces of football productivity. Greek watched over the knee helping to make it stronger than most, according to Matt Christopher in his book In the Huddlewith John Elway. 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. In Antonopulos second season, the Broncos reached their first Super Bowl, a loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Download the 9NEWS APPiTunes:http://on9news.tv/itunesGoogle Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n. 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 wasnt really an injury. A good trainers room is filled with the mundane, bathed in the light of here-and-now reality. His salary is around $10 million and his main source of income is from his career as a business executive. He closed the door and he went nuts again. 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. He worked 941 total games, during which Denver went 438-311-1 in the regular season/playoffs. NFL/PFATS Athletic Training Staff of the Year Award, The National Athletic Trainers Association Athletic Trainer Service Award, NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award. Will they play well again? It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. We just really hit it off and it was an opportunity that I had always dreamed about.. 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. 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. The Raiders plan to place the franchise tag on running back Josh Jacobs if the sides cannot come to a deal on a long-term extension by Tuesday's deadline, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Friday. Longtime head athletic trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos is retiring after 45 years with the club, the team announced Monday. Our organization wishes him the very best in his retirement. 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.. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- After a career that spanned 45 years with the Denver Broncos, director of sports medicine Steve Antonopulos has retired. They required him to go there for a physical. Broncos long time trainer Steve Greek Antonopulos retires, Horse Tracks: Potential Broncos Cap Casualties in 2023, 3 players the Broncos should consider cutting to make more cap room for the 2023 free agent class. 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. He was to make $61.8 million after two years with the Colts,. During John Elway's 16-year playing career and his decade leading the Broncos' front office, he was able to rely on Director of Sports Medicine Steve "Greek" Antonopulos for a lot. A native of Hugo and graduate of the University of Northern Colorado, Antonopulos first joined the Broncos in 1976 as assistant trainer to Allen Hurst. preseason), 438 total wins, 13 head coaches, 983 players with at least one game appearance. Found this classic can in hubs stuff. Now hes walking away for good as hes going to retire where he grew up on the eastern plains. * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). In announcing the retirement of the man everyone called Greek, the Broncos said he treated 980 different players in the regular season and playoffs. For me I want to be back early August, September, ready to go 100 percent, full go. Probably the most loyal employee the team has had and will ever have, Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis said in a phone interview. It wasnt really an injury. Over that time, Antonopulos worked all eight Super Bowls that the Broncos have appeared in. His Bronco days started in 1976. 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. Denver Broncos headlines, game previews and interviews with our 9NEWS insider Mike Klis. Yet behind closed doors they respond to the ordinary, commonplace maladies of bruises, lacerations, soft tissue tears, and broken bones. The Broncos paid an ode to Antonopulos' hard work by naming their training room after him. 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 . 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. One moment they move with extraordinary grace, quickness, and power. An interesting couple days and we had a great time.. The Dallas Cowboys will place the franchise tag on running back Tony Pollard if the two sides cannot reach a long-term deal before March 7's deadline, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday, per sources. Like Antonopulos, Garcia got his bachelors degree from Northern Colorado. With the Broncos, Greek transitioned to specialize in rehabilitation and was promoted to head trainer in 1980. 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. 41-yrs! The longest-tenured employee in Denver Broncos history is hanging them up. I was blessed to be a part of the elation of that. He researched the previous seasons hamstring injury sustained by running back Otis Armstrong and put together a treatment/rehabilitation plan to present to Hurst. The weather was awful. Antonopulos treated 983 players who appeared in at least one regular season/playoff game for the Broncos. Antonopulos is the only Broncos employee who has been to all eight Super Bowls. 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. By Tim Lynch @TimLynch1978 Jun 7, 2021, 8:50am MDT Share this story. 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. Antonopulos called working for the Broncos a lifes dream., A lot of people say that, but it was the reality for me, he said. 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 is the only individual to be part of all eight Broncos Super Bowl runs. 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. That poor guy. I just think Pat trusted Greek more than any other employee he ever had working for him, Ellis said. He embodies the principles of the Fain-Cain Award, and he continues to impact all of those who have been around him. You must be logged in to leave a comment. Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis had this to say about Antonopulos during a phone interview with the Denver Post. When the Broncos open training camp next month, Antonopulos wont be on the sidelines for the first time since 1975. I was making good money on the highway and going to college. 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. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- After a career that spanned 45 years with the Denver Broncos, director of sports medicine Steve Antonopulos has retired. For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Steve "Greek" Antonopulos, the Broncos' director of sports medicine, is entering his 44th season with the team. Coach Gary Kubiaks unflappable reaction to the season-ending knee injury of starting defensive end Vance Walker on Tuesday was based on his confidence of the Denver Broncos reserve depth at the position. You'll now receive the top Broncos Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. We congratulate Greek and thank him for a truly remarkable, special run with the Denver Broncos. Trainer Antonopulos, a Broncos' 'fixture,' retires, The future of the NFL combine: Is there really a chance it could end forever? Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson is "fired up" to work with Washington's new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. You have the passion to do it. Antonopulos was the longest-tenured employee at the franchise. He is the teams 12th man. 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. He worked under three owners and 10 head coaches and was a part of 22 playoff teams and three Super Bowl champions. That was a tremendous victory in Broncos history. Championships are made on practice fields; championships are also made in training rooms and rehab gyms. I woke him up. 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.
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