4. Steve Atwater
Career stats with Broncos: 10 seasons; 1,074 tackles*; 24 INTs; 6 forced fumbles
Best statistical year: 1991; 150 tackles*; 5 INTs; 1 forced fumble
Honors with Broncos: Eight-time Pro Bowler; Two-time First-Team All Pro; Rookie of the Year; 1990s All-Decade Team
Super Bowls with Broncos: XXXII & XXXIII
*During this time period there is a discrepancy on how tackles were measured
Steve Atwater, otherwise known as the Smiling Assassin, was not only a terror on the field for opposing offenses, but he forever changed the way the safety position was played.
Atwater’s statistics and honors are no doubt impressive, but maybe the most impressive aspect about him was he forced offenses to know where No. 27 was at all times. The ability to play all over the field, make the sure tackle, intercept the quarterback and make bone-crushing hits made Atwater the best defensive player in Broncos history.
In an era where tackling wasn’t policed as it is now, Atwater hit like a middle linebacker and shut down opposing quarterbacks.
Atwater delivered one of the most punishing hits in NFL history when he leveled Kansas City Chiefs power running back Christian Okoye. Adam Schefter described it as, “That one hit made Steve Atwater’s career, and diminished Christian Okoye’s reputation as one of the great power running backs in the game.”
During his time in Denver — 10 of his 11 total seasons — Atwater never missed a start and only missed five total games, even playing such a violent position. On the defensive side of the ball, Atwater led the team to three super bowls, with two victories.
Although you won’t see his name in Canton just yet, you will see it in the Ring of Fame. Once the Hall of Fame starts taking safeties seriously, Atwater should be among the first welcomed.
