Denver Broncos Head Athletic Trainer Steve "Greek" Antonopulos was honored as the 2011 Fain-Cain Memorial Award recipient on Friday at the NFL Physicians Society Scientific Meeting in Indianapolis. The award is given annually to a NFL trainer who best exemplifies a long-term commitment to the NFL, as well as exemplary performance.
"‘Greek' is nothing short of a consummate professional," said Broncos Head Team Physician Dr. Ted Schlegel, who nominated Antonopulos and presented him with the award. "I have always respected the fact that Steve is the kind of person that will look you in the eye and tell you what he is thinking and commit to his word. He embodies the principals of the Fain-Cain Award, and he continues to impact all of those who have been around him.
"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."
Antonopulos, who is entering his 36th season with the Broncos, has been with the club since joining the team as an assistant athletic trainer in 1976. His tenure is the longest among Broncos employees and the second longest in NFL history among athletic trainers. Antonopulos has previously served as President of the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society, and has received numerous awards throughout his career, including heading the 1987 NFL/PFATS Athletic Training Staff of the Year and being honored with the National Athletic Trainers' Association Athletic Trainer Service Award in 1996 and the NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award in 2006.
The Fain-Cain Memorial Award is named for Dr. Thomas E. Cain and Dr. Robert H. Fain, who were longtime team physicians for the Houston Oilers. The award was established shortly after Dr. Cain's death and Dr. Fain's retirement in 1998. Antonopulos is the first Bronco to receive this prestigious honor.