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Steve Atwater's Reign of Terror...

Relive the bone-jarring hits and ball-hawking prowess of Steve Atwater, the Denver Broncos' legendary...

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FOOTBALL TEAM | Denver Broncos

"Steve Atwater's Reign of Terror in the Secondary: The Smiling Assassin"

Last updated 📅 2024-10-28

Relive the bone-jarring hits and ball-hawking prowess of Steve Atwater, the Denver Broncos' legendary safety and Hall of Famer.

Born on October 28, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois, Stephen "Steve" Atwater developed into a dominant defensive back during his collegiate career at the University of Arkansas from 1985 to 1988. Initially a quarterback in high school, Atwater transitioned to safety for the Razorbacks, where he quickly excelled. He earned All-Southwest Conference honors three times and was named an All-American twice. Atwater holds the University of Arkansas record for career interceptions with 14. His impressive college performance, including being named the Defensive MVP of the 1989 East-West Shrine Game, paved his way to the professional ranks.

The Denver Broncos selected Atwater in the first round (20th overall) of the 1989 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact, leading the team in tackles during his rookie season and earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors. Paired with fellow safety Dennis Smith, Atwater formed one of the most formidable safety tandems in the NFL. Known for his ferocious hitting ability and ball-hawking skills, he became the anchor of the Broncos' secondary for ten seasons (1989-1998). Atwater played a pivotal role in the Broncos' two Super Bowl victories in Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII. He concluded his NFL career with one season with the New York Jets in 1999.

Steve Atwater's football legacy is defined by his intimidating presence, consistent excellence, and leadership on the Denver Broncos' defense. An eight-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-team All-Pro, Atwater was a key component of the Broncos' championship teams. His hard-hitting style earned him the nickname "The Smiling Assassin." Atwater's impact on the Broncos' defense was transformative, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest safeties in franchise history. His contributions were recognized with his induction into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

✦ 2x Super Bowl Champion (XXXII, XXXIII)

✦ 2x First-team All-Pro (1991, 1992)

✦ Second-team All-Pro (1996)

✦ 8x Pro Bowl Selection (1990-1996, 1998)

✦ NFL 1990s All-Decade Team

✦ PFWA All-Rookie Team (1989)

✦ Denver Broncos Ring of Fame

✦ College Football Hall of Fame (Inducted 2025)

✦ 3x All-Southwest Conference (College)

✦ 2x All-American (College)

✦ University of Arkansas Record: Career Interceptions (14)

✦ NFL Career Stats (167 games): 24 Interceptions, 408 Interception Yards, 1 Touchdown, 5 Sacks, 6 Forced Fumbles, 8 Fumble Recoveries, 1,188 Tackles

  • HASHTAGS: #October28 #AtwaterSteve #SteveAtwater #DefensiveBack #ArkansasRazorbacks #DenverBroncos #NewYorkJets #Number27 #ProFootballHallofFame
  • DOB: October 28
  • EVENTDAY: October 28
  • FOOTBALL NAME: Atwater Steve, Steve Atwater
  • FOOTBALL POSITION: Defensive Back
  • FOOTBALL TEAM: Arkansas Razorbacks, Denver Broncos, New York Jets
  • NCAAF JERSEY: Number 27
  • NFL JERSEY: Number 27
  • SPORTS: Pro Football Hall of Fame
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"Denver Broncos Franchise History"

Get ready to dive into the electrifying world of the Denver Broncos! With their iconic orange and blue jerseys, loyal "Mile High Magic" fans, and a legacy etched in Super Bowl glory, this franchise offers a captivating story waiting to be explored.
Our journey begins in 1959, where we'll witness the team's birth amidst a fledgling American Football League. We'll navigate early struggles, chart unexpected triumphs, and meet the legendary figures who shaped the Broncos' identity. From the "Orange Crush" defense to the John Elway era, we'll relive iconic moments that sent shivers down the spines of devoted fans. But our exploration goes beyond just wins and losses. We'll delve into the cultural impact of the Broncos, their influence on Denver and beyond, and the unique challenges they faced along the way. We'll meet the passionate personalities, both on and off the field, who fueled the Broncos' journey and solidified their place in sports history. Get ready to dive into the electrifying world of the Denver Broncos!..
FOOTBALL TEAM | Denver Broncos

"The 1983 Trade of John Elway"

The 1983 NFL Draft is renowned for its exceptional quarterback class, featuring Hall of Famers John Elway, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino. However, one of the most significant events surrounding that draft was the trade that sent John Elway, the number one overall pick, to the Denver Broncos. This move not only altered the course of Elway's career but also had a profound and lasting impact on the Denver Broncos franchise.
The story begins on April 26, 1983, when the Baltimore Colts, under the ownership of Robert Irsay, selected Elway from Stanford University with the first overall pick. Elway, a highly touted quarterback with a strong arm and exceptional athleticism, was widely considered the top prospect in the draft...
FOOTBALL TEAM | Denver Broncos

"Thomas Retires a Bronco"

June 28, 2021 - Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas retires from playing in the NF,L according to NFL.com.

Demaryius was the first receiver taken in the 2010 NFL Draft. Thomas developed into an athletic mismatch and a yards-after-catch demon, especially after Peyton Manning joined the Broncos in 2012. Thomas emerged as the Broncos' No. 1 receiver and would earn five straight Pro Bowl selections as the team's number one receiver.

For his career, Thomas had 724 receptions for 9,763 yards and 63 TDs. Thomas ranks 53rd all-time in receiving yards in NFL history at the time of his retirement.