Through the Years: Steve Atwater's career with the Broncos

San Diego: Steve Atwater blitzes from the blindside and sacks Brett Favre on the Green Bay 33 during Green Bays first possession of the second quarter. The fumble was recovered by Neil Smith and led to a 51 yard field goal by Jason Elam against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.

Kansas City: Maa Tanuvasa, Steve Atwater, and John Mobley gang tackle a Chiefs running back as the Broncos team defense performed tremendously during the second round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.

San Diego: Alfred Williams congratulates Steve Atwater after he scored a touchdown on an interception return against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, CA on November 30, 1997.

John Elway and Steve Atwater are all smiles in the locker room after a win against the Seattle Seahawks September 8, 1996. John Elway and Steve Atwater are all smiles in the locker room after a win against the Seattle Seahawks September 8, 1996.

Steve Atwater celebrates after an interception against the Miami Dolphins at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on December 21, 1998.

Denver Broncos' Steve Atwater (27) and Neil Smith (90) celebrate their Super Bowl victory with teammates as they hold up the Vince Lombardi trophy after defeating the Packers at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium Sunday, Jan. 25, 1998. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Steve Atwater gets ready on defense against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 25, 1998.

San Diego: Antonio Freeman catches a 13 yard pass from Favre on a third and nine and gets the first down despite a big hit by Steve Atwater. This was the third play of the game, the opening drive against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.

Steve Atwater runs onto the field during the pre-game announcements against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 22, 1998.

Denver Broncos safety Steve Atwater (27) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Nov. 6, 1994, in Anaheim, Calif. (NFL Photos via AP)

San Diego: Steve Atwater blitzes from the blindside and sacks Brett Favre on the Green Bay 33 during Green Bays first possession of the second quarter. The fumble was recovered by Neil Smith and led to a 51 yard field goal by Jason Elam against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.

Steve Atwater celebrates his victory against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.

Steve Atwater awaits the snap of the ball against the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.

Safety Steve Atwater and tackle Jumpy Geathers celebrate after tackling a Buccaneer ball carrier during a September 15, 1996 win (27-23) over Tampa Bay.

Denver Broncos safety Steve Atwater (27) jumps into the air in an attempt to block Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre's pass during the third quarter of Super Bowl XXXII at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium Sunday, Jan. 25, 1998. At left is Packers' Dorsey Levens (25) and guard Adam Timmerman (63). (AP Photo/John Gaps III)

Steve Atwater cheers on his teammates against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 4, 1998.

San Diego: Steve Atwater jogs into the endzone with a smile after returning an interception for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, CA on November 30, 1997.

Kansas City: Steve Atwater hit quarterback Elvis Grbac after he throws. The defense applied pressure to Grbac all day long, sacking him four times against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.