Karl Mecklenburg on Broncos career, playing with John Elway and being called "the Albino Rhino"

In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro

Karl Mecklenburg was born in Seattle but grew up in Minnesota where he started playing football when he was 9 years old. He wanted to attend the University of Minnesota, but at 6-foot and just 200 pounds he had to settle for Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. After having his scholarship removed at Augustana, Mecklenburg walked on at Minnesota and in 1982 he was the Gophers' top defensive player, All-Big Ten 2nd team and All-Academic. The Denver Broncos drafted Karl in the 12th round (310 overall) in the 1983 NFL draft. Playing for Dan Reeves, Mecklenburg flourished playing on the defensive line and at linebacker. He helped lead the Broncos to three Super Bowls (XXI, XXII and XXIV) and played his entire 12-year career in Denver. He battled multiple injuries including more than 10 concussions during his career and later was a plaintiff in a lawsuit vs. the NFL. A long-time motivational speaker, Mecklenburg shares tales from his journey including his breakthrough moment as a linebacker and what it was like playing on a team with John Elway as the quarterback (he tells us his view of "The Drive" in the 1986 AFC Championship game). He also tells us about the quarterback he loved to sack the most, the teammate who pushed him in practice and the honor of being inducted in the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 2001. Mecklenburg tells us why his versatility might be what's keeping him out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, why he enjoys giving back to the Denver community and how he got his nickname "The Albino Rhino".