Steve Atwater was drafted in the 1st round (20th overall) by the Denver Broncos in the 1989 NFL Draft, having played college football at Arkansas.Atwater is remembered and celebrated for both his play as well as his leadership. Atwater was the captain of the Broncos defense for both Super Bowl-winning years of 1997 and 1998. For the majority of his career, Atwater was used by Denver much like a linebacker as an eighth defender to stop the run.
With a linebacker-like mentality, Atwater finished his rookie season with 129 tackles.
In his second season, Atwater earned first of seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections (1990–1996), tied for most in franchise history. Paired with fellow Broncos safety Dennis Smith, Atwater and Smith formed one of the best safety tandems of their generation and one of the Broncos best secondary tandems ever, possible only matched by that of John Lynch and Champ Bailey.
Atwater started 155 games during his 10-year career in Denver, tying him for seventh in franchise history for games started. He also started in 14 post-season games.It has been debated that Atwater should have been the MVP of Super Bowl XXXII after his amazing performance. Against the Packers in Super Bowl 32, Atwater recorded six solo tackles, one sack, two passes defensed and a forced fumble.
After playing one season with the New York Jets, Atwater signed a one-day contract with Denver so he could retire a Bronco. He remained a fan-favorite from his rookie season to his retirement and is still regarded highly among the Mile High faithful.
A member of the 1990's All Decade Team, Atwater was an 8-time Pro Bowl selection (second most in team history), 2-time First team All Pro, Second team All Pro, and two-time Super Bowl Champion.
The NFL didn't start keeping track of tackling statistics until 2000, a year after Atwater retired. So while it isn't officially known how many tackles he had, Atwater did record 5 sacks 24 interceptions over an 11-year span.
On October 9, 2005, Atwater was enshrined into the Broncos Ring of Fame at Invesco Field at Mile High. He has been eligible for the Pro Football Hall Of Fame since 2004 yet has been snubbed every year since then. It's time to get him in the Hall!
On October 9, 2005, Atwater was enshrined into the Broncos Ring of Fame at Invesco Field at Mile High. He has been eligible for the Pro Football Hall Of Fame since 2004 yet has been snubbed every year since then. It's time to get him in the Hall!
In the top ten for 2012 hall they have a personel executive for the cowboys. i dont remember any executives making hits that put them on the top 10 most feared hitters list like steve atwater. get Atwater in!!!
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