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Denver Broncos: 5 legendary jersey numbers players have failed to live up to

By Travis Wakeman

Denver Bronco's tight end Shannon Sharpe celebrates after catching the game-winning 24-yard touchdown pass from quarterback John Elway in the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs 06 December at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO. Denver rallied for two touchdowns in the final seven minutes for a 35-31 victory over Kansas City to extend their winning streak to 18 games, including last year's playoffs. AFP PHOTO/Mark LEFFINGWELL (Photo by MARK LEFFINGWELL / AFP) (Photo credit should read MARK LEFFINGWELL/AFP via Getty Images)
Denver Bronco's tight end Shannon Sharpe celebrates after catching the game-winning 24-yard touchdown pass from quarterback John Elway in the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs 06 December at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO. Denver rallied for two touchdowns in the final seven minutes for a 35-31 victory over Kansas City to extend their winning streak to 18 games, including last year's playoffs. AFP PHOTO/Mark LEFFINGWELL (Photo by MARK LEFFINGWELL / AFP) (Photo credit should read MARK LEFFINGWELL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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No. 27

Legendary player who wore it: Steve Atwater

Player who wore it next: Terrell Buckley

Player currently wearing it: Davontae Harris

Steve Atwater is among the best and most well-loved players in Broncos history. For his incredible career with the team, he will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer.

The No. 27 has never been worn better by a player on the Broncos and quite frankly, hasn’t been worn anywhere near as well as Steve wore it over 20 years ago.

A first-round pick in 1989, Atwater spent 10 seasons in Denver and was selected to the Pro Bowl in eight of those. He was a key piece in the team’s run as back-to-back Super Bowl champions and is among the best defensive players in Broncos history.

He was also part of the NFL’s 1990s All-Decade Team.

In 2000, the Broncos brought in veteran defensive back Terrell Buckley and he actually had a very good season for the team with six interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. But that was his only year in Denver.

In 2001, the number was transitioned over to another defensive back, Denard Walker.

In 2005, the number was given to an exciting young rookie named Darrent Williams. It sure looked like Williams had the skills to make the No. 27 shine again, but his life was tragically cut short on January 1, 2007, in one of the darkest incidents in Broncos history.

Now that Atwater is set to enter the Hall of Fame, this jersey number should be hung up for good.

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