The “Smiling Assassin” belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. So says the man who tagged Steve Atwater with his nickname nearly 30 years ago.
“Steve is definitely worthy,” said Charlie Waters, the Broncos’ defensive backs coach in 1989 when Atwater was a rookie safety out of Arkansas trying to make an impression. “I knew right away that Steve was a special player. Steve wasn’t just a big hitter, he was one of the smartest players I’ve ever been around. He was an impact player and he proved it for his whole career.”
Atwater, 52, is a Hall of Fame finalist for the second time.