FAYETTEVILLE — Steve Atwater was holed up in his hotel room in Miami on the day before the Super Bowl about 12 weeks ago, waiting for an all-important signature knock on his door.
That knock, the signal of a candidate’s selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, came from the knuckles of David Baker, the hall’s president and CEO.
Atwater pumped both fists, hopped up from his chair and greeted Baker with a handshake and a big hug, saying his selection on Feb. 1 was worth the wait.
The best safety in University of Arkansas football history, nicknamed the Smilin’ Assassin, will cap his career with an induction into the hallowed hall on Aug.