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9. Karl Mecklenberg

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9. Karl Mecklenberg
Known as the "Albino Rhino," Karl Mecklenburg was a late round (12th) pick from the University of Minnesota was the master of versatility for the Denver Broncos.  Mecklenburg played seven different defensive positions for Denver and was described as a "Defensive Swiss-Army Knife."  Usually, he lined up at Inside Linebacker, and the was a First Team All-Pro in both 1985 and 1986 as well as 1989, which was the season that he led the NFL in Approximate Value.  Mecklenburg played his entire career with the Denver Broncos which saw him go to six Pro Bowls over 12 seasons, three of which he was a crucial part of the team's success in reaching the Super Bowl.  He would also accumulate 79.0 Quarterback Sacks.

The Broncos selected Mecklenburg for the Ring of Fame in 2001.

The Bullet Points

  • Position: Linebacker
  • Acquired: Selected in the 12th Round, 310th Overall in the NFL Draft 4/27/83.
  • Departed: Retired after the 1994 Season.
  • Games Played: 180
  • Notable Statistics:

    141 Games Started
    5 Interceptions
    128 Interception Return Yards
    16 Forced Fumbles
    14 Fumble Recoveries
    47 Fumble Recovery Yards
    2 Fumble Recovery Touchdowns
    79.0 Quarterback Sacks
    1,118 Combined Tackles
    44 Solo Tackles*
    14 Assisted Tackles*
    114 Approximate Value

    14 Playoff Games
    1 Interception
    18 Interception Return Yards
    2.0 Quarterback Sacks
    9 Combined Tackles
    9 Solo Tackles*

    *Solo Tackles and Assisted Tackles were not calculated until the 1994 season
  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    First Team All-Pro (1985, 1986 & 1989)
    Second Team All-Pro (1987)
    Pro Bowl (1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1991 & 1993)
    Highest Approximate Value (1989)

Last modified on Saturday, 06 August 2022 00:09

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