Karl Mecklenburg among ex-Broncos players snubbed by Hall of Fame voters

Karl Mecklenburg and 10 other former Denver Broncos players were named senior candidates for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class last month. Voters have since narrowed the pool of 183 nominees down to 60 candidates, and no former Broncos players advanced in the voting.

Mecklenburg, linebacker Tom Jackson, safety Dennis Smith, wide receiver Lionel Taylor, returner Rick Upchurch, cornerback Louis Wright, receiver Bob Scarpitto, defensive lineman Michael Dean Perry, running back Sammy Winder, defensive lineman Lyle Alzado and defensive end Rich Jackson will all have to wait at least another year for a chance to reach Canton.

There is still a chance that the Broncos could be represented in the 2025 class. In addition to the 11 senior nominees, Denver also had 19 modern-era players nominated this year, and Mike Shanahan is expected to be a top candidate in the coach category.

Broncos candidates for Hall of Fame

1. Coach Mike Shanahan (expected)
2. WR Rod Smith
3. C Tom Nalen
4. K Jason Elam
5. G Mark Schlereth
6. LB Bill Romanowski
7. DL Neil Smith
8. WR Demaryius Thomas
9. CB Aqib Talib
10. WR Wes Welker
11. RB Clinton Portis
12. WR Brandon Marshall
13. RB Glyn Milburn
14. CB Dré Bly
15. TE Vernon Davis
16. DL Jamal Williams
17. LB Keith Brooking
18. RB Jamaal Charles
19. DL Ted Washington
20. DL Simeon Rice

The Hall of Fame’s selection committee will trim the list of nominees this month before announcing semifinalists and finalists later in the fall. The 2025 class will be announced before Super Bowl LVIX next year.