Stephen Antonopulos

 

Stephen Antonopulos has served as the head athletic trainer for the Denver Broncos since 1980. Mr. Antonopulos is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado and has been awarded numerous honors, including the NATA Distinguished Athletic Trainer Service Award (1997), Professional Football Athletic Training Staff of the Year (1987), NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award (2005), Fain-Cain Memorial Award Most Outstanding NFL Athletic Trainer Award (2010-11, presented by the NFL Physicians Society), and a Colorado Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame member.

 

One of his most memorable experiences as an athletic trainer was during the 1998 Super Bowl.

 

“I will never forget the 1998 Super Bowl. During the 2nd quarter of the game our All Pro Running Back Terrell Davis had a severe migraine headache coming on. We had to remove him from the field to the sidelines. Coach Shanahan came to me and said "what's wrong?” I told him he can't see and he has a severe migraine coming on. “What do you mean he can't see?" said Shanahan. Coach asked if he could use him as a decoy on a goal line play as we were on the 2nd yard line. I told him “but he can't see." Shanahan responded "Don't worry, I will take care of him." TD went in as the running back following John Elway onto the field. Lined up, they faked the ball to TD and John ran in for the go ahead touchdown. We ended up winning the game by a TD. We had a 45' half time which allowed TD to come back the 2nd half to play, as his migraine resolved at the end of the half time. TD was the MVP of the game. The Denver Broncos first Super Bowl Victory.”

 

Stephen Antonopulos is married to his wife, Susan, and has five children (Nick, Matt, Kristi, Kasey, and Heather), and five grandchildren (Abby, Katie, Natalie, Stephen, and Nico).