Denver Broncos: 30 greatest players of all time
. LB. (1983-94). Karl Mecklenburg. 14. player. 45
Randy Gradishar brought the turnovers to the Orange Crush defense. Karl Mecklenburg brought the sacks to the Denver defense.
A feared linebacker during the early 1980s into the mid-1990s, Mecklenburg was a nightmare to opposing quarterbacks. Or in his case, anyone who had the football.
Mecklenburg recorded a whopping 1,104 tackles and 79 sacks during his time with the Broncos that spanned 12 seasons. Those are incredible numbers for any linebacker. He truly wanted you to be sure you felt the pain of his tackling if you had the football.
His other numbers include five interceptions and two fumbles returned for touchdowns. He was selected to six Pro Bowls and three First-Team All-Pro nods. Quite impressive for an inside linebacker.
Like Gradishar, he fell short of a Super Bowl win. But with those numbers, he should be considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It is shocking that he is not in yet.
As this team begins to showcase their talents, perhaps the committee will look at the past Broncos players and consider them for enshrinement in Canton one day.
But Broncos Country knows the truth.
Karl Mecklenburg was a true force in the Orange Crush defense. One day, hopefully, he is rewarded for his hard work.
– Ty Walden