Steve Atwater, a legendary figure in Football, rose to prominence as a formidable free safety for the Denver Broncos in the NFL. Born and raised in Chicago, Atwater displayed exceptional athleticism from a young age, excelling in football, basketball, and track at his high school, where he garnered accolades as the league’s Most Valuable Player and earned recognition as an all-conference athlete.
At the University of Arkansas, Atwater’s versatility shone as he transitioned from quarterback to safety, earning himself a place among the Razorback All-Century Team and the All-Decade Team for the 1980s. His stellar collegiate career included three All-Southwest Conference selections and two All-American honors.
In the 1989 NFL Draft, Atwater’s talent caught the attention of the Denver Broncos, who selected him in the first round. Over the next decade, he solidified his legacy in Denver, starting in 155 games and helping lead the team to victory in Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII. His impact on the field earned him eight Pro Bowl selections and a place on the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team.
Atwater concluded his illustrious career with a brief stint with the New York Jets before returning to Denver to retire as a Bronco, cementing his legacy with a one-day ceremonial contract. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020, forever etching his name in football history.