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Steve Atwater
Inducted:
2020
Player Stats
Stats:
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
218 lb (99 kg)
Born:
October 28, 1966
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Position:
Safety
College:
Arkansas (1985–1988)
Steve Atwater was one of the most feared safeties of his era, known for his hard-hitting presence in the Denver Broncos' secondary. Drafted 20th overall in 1989, he quickly became a defensive anchor, earning a reputation as a smart, physical, and fearless player.
Atwater played 10 seasons with the Broncos and one with the Jets, recording over 1,000 tackles in his career.
He played a key role in helping Denver win back-to-back Super Bowls (XXXII and XXXIII), delivering game-changing hits and crucial plays. Perhaps most famously, he stopped 260-pound Christian Okoye in a head-on collision that became an NFL highlight classic.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020, Atwater's legacy lives on as one of the toughest safeties to ever play the game.
Atwater's Awards and Records
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XXXII, XXXIII)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1991, 1992)
- Second-team All-Pro (1996)
- 8× Pro Bowl (1990–1996, 1998)
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1989)
- Denver Broncos Ring of Fame
- 2× First-team All-SWC (1986, 1988)
- Second-team All-SWC (1987)
NFL Records
- 1,000+ career tackles
- Started every game in his first 9 seasons
- Part of back-to-back Super Bowl champions (1997, 1998)
- Known for one of the hardest hits in NFL history (vs. Okoye, 1990)
NFL Teams
Denver Broncos (1989–1998)
New York Jets (1999)
NFL draft:
1989: 1st round, 20th pick
Numbers Worn:
27
NFL Stats
Seasons:
11
Games Played:
167
Total tackles:
1,188
Interceptions:
24
Interception Yards:
408
Touchdowns:
1
Sacks:
5
Forced fumbles:
6
Fumble recoveries:
8
NFL Hall of Fame
The NFL Hall of Fame, also known as the Pro Football Hall of Fame, is where the legacies of NFL legends and their contributions to football history are celebrated. Located in Canton, Ohio, this iconic institution honors the greatest players, coaches, and contributors through its annual Hall of Fame enshrinement and NFL Hall of Fame ceremony. From the NFL Hall of Fame Class of 2025 and its nominees to the unforgettable Hall of Fame speeches, each year brings new highlights and moments that capture the spirit of the game. Featuring Hall of Fame players, coaches, and even legendary quarterbacks, the Hall showcases the rich history of football with exhibits, stories of remarkable careers, and events like the NFL Hall of Fame game. A visit to the Hall is a journey through the most iconic NFL greats, their achievements, and the unforgettable Hall of Fame moments that define the sport we love. 🏈✨
