Top 5 Moments of Steve Atwater’s Hall of Fame Career
By Evan Chronis | June 26, 2020 | Pro Football Hall of Fame
When it comes to the Hall of Fame of nicknames, the “Smiling Assassin” is a first-ballot selection.
Steve Atwater’s Hall of Fame candidacy took longer than his supporters anticipated, but the hard-hitting strong safety is now on his way to Canton.
Known for his monstrous hits and secondary physicality that aren’t seen in the modern game, Atwater carved out a lane and legacy all his own throughout his career.
With a plethora of highlight reel hits and statistical accolades to his name, there are several moments that defined this Denver Broncos legendary career.
Here are our picks for the best.
5. Atwater Ends Broncos Career with 2nd Super Bowl Win
Game: Denver Broncos vs. Atlanta Falcons
When: January 31, 1999
Talk about going out on top as a Broncos legend.
The final game of Steve Atwater’s Broncos career came on the sport’s biggest stage — the 1999 Super Bowl.
While the first Lombardi win with the Broncos was a touch more dramatic, this performance capped off a legendary career in the Mile High city.
Atwater finished his 10-year stint with a six-tackle performance that helped lead Denver to a dominant 34-19 win over Atlanta to claim the franchise’s second Super Bowl victory.
4. Atwater’s Rookie Season
When: 1989-1990 Season
The Broncos made a big investment in Atwater by drafting the Arkansas Razorback with the No.20 pick in the 1989 NFL Draft.
The free safety was immediately utilized by defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who moved Atwater closer to the front seven to be more involved in the rush defense.
Atwater flourished in the spot even as a rookie, recording a team-best 129 tackles.
3. Atwater’s Prolific 1991 Season
When: 1991-92 Season
Atwater burst onto the scene in his 1989 rookie season, but it wasn’t until his third year that he was acknowledged for being one of the most feared free safeties in the league.
Atwater intercepted five passes, forced and recovered one fumble and recorded 150 total tackles — good enough to earn him First-Team All-Pro honors for the first time in his career.
He would finish his career with two First-Team All-Pro honors and eight Pro Bowl selections in 11 seasons.
2. Atwater Levels Christian Okoye with Devastating Hit
Game: Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs
When: September 17, 1990
Atwater’s highlight reel is filled with a load of remarkable hits that the contact-minded safety laid on opponents, but none is more devastating than what he did to the “Nigerian Nightmare” Christian Okoye.
On a Monday Night Football clash with the Chiefs, Atwater met the 253-pound Kansas City running back up the middle and knocked him onto his back with a hit that would go viral instantly in today’s age.
Take a look at the hit for yourself:
1. Atwater Clinches First Super Bowl with Vicious Hit
Game: Denver Broncos vs. Green Bay Packers
When: January 25, 1998
Atwater put on an MVP performance in Denver’s first ever Super Bowl win, a 31-24 triumph over the Green Bay Packers.
On the stat sheet, Atwater recorded six tackles, two pass deflections and one forced fumble — enough to earn the applause and acclaim of those around him.
But it was one of the final plays of the game that will always be remembered when discussing the “Smiling Assassin.”
With Denver holding the 31-24 lead and the Packers driving down the field with 36 seconds remaining, Brett Favre lofted a ball down the left hash for Robert Brooks. Right as Brooks stretched out for the ball, Atwater came flying in with his left shoulder to deck the receiver, unintentionally taking out teammate Randy Hilliard in the process.
All three players involved were forced to leave the game for the final few plays. Luckily for Atwater, the stop helped kill any momentum the Packers had driving down the field and led the Broncos to the Lombardi Trophy.
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