Memories are made in the Super Bowl. So are legacies.
Steve Atwater cemented his Broncos legacy with a memorable Super Bowl performance. After Monday’s announcement that the hard-hitting safety will be the 20th member of the team’s Ring of Fame, Broncos owner Pat Bowlen didn’t hesitate when asked about his top memories of Atwater.
“I’ve got two,” said Bowlen, harking back to January 1998 when Denver won its first Super Bowl (31-24 victory over Green Bay in Super Bowl XXXII).
“One was a sack of (Green Bay quarterback) Brett Favre that caused a fumble, and the other was an interception, which was typical Steve.”
Atwater, who played for the Broncos from 1989-98 before finishing his career in 1999 with the New York Jets, was elected in his first year of eligibility. The rules state a player has to play four years for the Broncos and has to be away from the team for five years. The group meets every year but doesn’t always vote a person in each time. Offensive lineman Gary Zimmerman was the last person voted in to the ring in 2003.
Atwater, who now works at an investment company in Atlanta, will be inducted into the ring Oct. 9 during halftime of the Broncos’ game against Washington. Atwater is the fourth safety to be inducted into the ring, joining Austin “Goose” Gonsoulin, Dennis Smith and Billy Thompson.
Atwater, who also is eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, said the Broncos’ honor would surpass the feeling he would have if Canton ever came calling.
“I am really proud of this award, because it means so much to be recognized in the city I played in for 10 years,” Atwater said. “This is also great for all the fans and people that come in the future that will get a chance to see (the name in the Ring of Fame).”
Atwater was voted to a franchise-record seven straight Pro Bowls (1990-96) and has been named to eight Pro Bowl rosters. He finished his career with the Broncos with 1,301 tackles, 24 interceptions and nine fumble recoveries.
“You just look at the statistics,” said committee member Joe Collier, the Broncos’ former defensive coordinator. “He deserves it.”
