The Intimidator: Celebrating the Hard-Hitting Legacy of Steve Atwater

Steve Atwater arrived in the NFL with a singular purpose: to deliver maximum impact on every play. The first-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 1989 immediately solidified the team’s secondary, anchoring a defense that quickly became one of the league’s best. Renowned for his versatility to cover the deep field and his explosive power when tackling, Atwater consistently earned Pro Bowl honors throughout the 1990s and became a defensive catalyst for the Broncos’ back-to-back Super Bowl triumphs, ultimately solidifying his place among the greatest safeties in NFL history.

Atwater’s Legacy

October 28, 1966 – Chicago, Illinois – Steve Atwater was a former safety from the University of Arkansas. Atwater was a first-round pick, the 20th overall in the 1989 NFL Draft, by the Denver Broncos.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website bio says he had an instant impact on the Broncos’ defense in 1989, as they allowed the fewest points in the League that season. Atwater was a First-Team All-Pro in both 1990 & 1991. Steve played in the NFL for 11 seasons and made it to 8 Pro Bowls.

During his career, he recorded 24 interceptions. Steve Atwater was voted onto the All-Decade team of the 1990s. The Pro Football Hall of Fame chose Steve Atwater to be included in 2020’s selection class. 

Accolades and Accomplishments

Professional Career (Denver Broncos & New York Jets):

• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (Class of 2020).
• 2× Super Bowl Champion (XXXII, XXXIII).
• NFL 1990s All-Decade Team selection.
• 8× Pro Bowl selection (1990–1996, 1998).
• 2× First-team All-Pro (1991, 1992).
• 2× Second-team All-Pro (1990, 1996).
• Denver Broncos Ring of Fame Inductee (2005).
• Finished career with 24 interceptions and over 1,000 total tackles.
• Was the key defensive leader on the 1989 Broncos defense that allowed the fewest points in the NFL.

Collegiate Career (University of Arkansas Razorbacks):

• 2× All-American (multiple selectors).
• 3× All-Southwest Conference (SWC) selection (2× First-team: 1986, 1988).
• Holds the University of Arkansas school record with 14 career interceptions.