Karl Mecklenburg

Karl Mecklenburg is a former American football player for the Denver Broncos in the National Football League from 1983 – 1994.

In 1983, the Denver Broncos drafted Karl Mecklenburg in the 12th round with the 310th pick overall. In spite of his low selection, Mecklenburg went on to become an integral part of the Broncos' Super Bowl teams of the 1980s. He played in six Pro Bowls. His 79.5 sacks is the second highest total in franchise history. In 2001, during half time of a game against the Baltimore Ravens, he and Dennis Smith were inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame. He is also in the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame and serves on the Broncos Alumni Council.

Since retiring from pro football in 1994 because of an injury, Mecklenburg divides his time between family, motivational speaking, and his ongoing charity involvements. Karl and his wife Kathi have three children (two sons, Luke and Jeff, and a daughter, Kelsey, all of whom attended Community School for the Gifted; Luke was, in fact, one of the first students to attend CSG). The Mecklenburgs reside in Littleton, Colorado. He has two brothers, Eric and Fred Mecklenburg and a sister, Carol.

His nickname as a Bronco was 'The Albino Rhino'.

Mecklenburg is the founder of the REACH Foundation . It is the mission of Karl Mecklenburg's REACH (Rewarding Experiences for All Children) Foundation to provide Denver area children and youth with educational opportunities and resources needed to excel in the classroom and in life. The Foundation's interactive programs and events are designed to help build a strong foundation through education and outdoor experiences. Karel Wegert, the director of his charity, cites Mecklenburg as being very hands on and involved in all facets of the foundation.