8x10's Limited Edition - 2005
16x20's Limited Edition - 127
Position: Free Safety
Year Inducted: 2005
Years with Broncos: 1989-1998
Steve Atwater concludes his brilliant 11-year NFL career as one of the most outstanding and most popular players in the history of the Denver Broncos organization. He joined the Broncos in 1989 as the club’s No. 1 draft choice (20th overall) and went on to earn eight Pro Bowl selections, second-most in team history. His string of seven straight Pro Bowl appearances from 1990-96 ties the franchise record. Atwater started all 155 games he played as a Bronco to tie for seventh in franchise history for games started, and logged 818 tackles (483 solo)—including five sacks (-39)—as well as 24 interceptions, 89 passes defensed, 12 forced fumbles and nine fumble recoveries. In all he was involved in 45 turnovers during his career. Atwater ranks eighth in career interceptions (24) and seventh in interception return yards (388). Atwater also played in 14 postseason contests (all starts), which ties for third most in team history, while his 14 postseason starts rank second. In his postseason career he made 73 tackles (50 solo), including one sack (-1), as well as one interception, 11 passes defensed and two forced fumbles. Atwater turned in one the best performances ever by a safety in a Super Bowl with his stellar play in Denver’s Super Bowl XXXII victory over Green Bay (1/25/98), posting six solo tackles, one sack, two passes defensed and a forced fumble. In addition to the eight Pro Bowls and two World Championships, Atwater will always be remembered for his signature hit on Kansas City running back Christian Okoye on Monday Night Football in 1990, the audio of which was captured by NFL Films and replayed numerous times over the years. |
