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85. Karl Mecklenburg

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85. Karl Mecklenburg

We would love to make a case for Karl Mecklenburg just for his nickname of the “Albino Rhino,” but we have always been a sucker for colorful (or in this case, not so colorful) nicknames.

For years, there was no argument that Karl Mecklenburg led the Denver Broncos defense.  He was a major factor in multiple playoff appearances, and he earned several individual accolades.  Unfortunately for Mecklenburg, he wasn't on the Broncos squad that finally pushed through to a pair of Super Bowl wins in the late 90s. 

The Denver Broncos seem to have little Hall representation from their early days.  Mecklenberg is honored in Denver in the Ring of Fame, but the Rhino is unlikely to be the next Bronco enshrined.


Should Karl Mecklenburg be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 82.8%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 11.9%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 3%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 2.2%
IMG 0929

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Saturday, 01 January 2000
  • Position: Linebacker
  • Games Played: 180
  • Notable Statistics: 141 Games Started
    5 Interceptions
    128 Interception Return Yards
    20 Forced Fumbles*
    14 Fumble Recoveries
    47 Fumble Recovery Yards
    2 Fumble Recovery Touchdowns
    79.0 Quarterback Sacks
    1,118 Combined Tackles
    44 Solo Tackles**
    11 Assisted Tackles**
    1 Safety
    114 Approximate Value

    12 Playoff Games
    12 Playoff Games Started
    1 Interception
    12 Interception Return Yards
    2.0 Quarterback Sacks
    9 Combined Tackles

    *Forced Fumbles were calculated by Pro Football Reference from 1977 to 1998
    **Solo Tackles and Assisted Tackles were not official Statistics until 1994
  • Played For: Denver Broncos
  • College: Minnesota
  • Drafted: 12th Round, 310th Overall in 1983
  • Major Accolades and Awards: Super Bowl Rings (None)
    First Team All-Pro Selection (3) (1985, 1986 & 1989)
    Second Team All-Pro Selection (1) (1987)
    Pro Bowl Selection (6) (1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1991 & 1993)
    Highest Approximate Value (1) (1989)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: Approximate Value (1) (1989)
    Top Ten Finishes: Combined Tackles (3) (1986, 1987 & 1989)
    Top Ten Finishes: Forced Fumbles (2) (1985 & 1987)
    Top Ten Finishes: Quarterback Sacks (1) (1985)
  • Notable All Time Rankings: 56.  Combined Tackles: 1,118
    88.  Forced Fumbles: 20
  • Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: Semi-Finalist: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019

Should Karl Mecklenburg be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 82.8%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 11.9%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 3%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 2.2%
Last modified on Saturday, 19 September 2026 07:59
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