Karl Mecklenburg

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Karl Mecklenburg
Mecklenburg at a speaking engagement, November 2007.
Position(s):
Linebacker
Jersey #(s):
77
Born: September 1, 1960 (1960-09-01) (age 47)
Seattle, Washington
Career Information
Year(s): 19831994
NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 12 / Pick: 310
College: Minnesota
Professional Teams
Career Stats
Sacks     79
Interceptions     25
Games     180
Stats at NFL.com
Career Highlights and Awards

Karl Mecklenburg (born September 1, 1960 in Seattle, Washington) is a former American football player for the Denver Broncos in the National Football League.

Contents

[edit] National Football League

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 1980's. 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, 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)(Who all went to Community School for the Gifted, and in fact Luke was one of the first to go to CSG). The Mecklenburgs reside in Littleton, Colorado. He has two brothers, Eric and Fred Mecklenburg and a sister, Carol.

During the 1987 NFL players' strike, Mecklenburg tore up an autograph he had signed for a boy when he learned the 8-year-old would be attending a game featuring replacement players. Mecklenburg was criticized heavily for the incident.[1]

[edit] Charity Work

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.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Chicago Tribune article by Rick Morrissey, "Baseball's Upper Class Has No Class", reprinted in St. Augustine Record, http://www.staugustine.com/stories/082902/spo_946910.shtml

[edit] External links