Broncos Legend Karl Mecklenburg Delivers Telling Take After Historic Announcement

The Denver Broncos are staying local, and the historic decision has led to an incredible outpouring of support from both current and former franchise figures. Six-time Pro Bowl and three-time All-Pro former Broncos edge defender Karl Mecklenburg is among them.

Mecklenburg’s support comes on the heels of the announcement that the Broncos are targeting Burnham Yard for the site of their new, retractable-roof stadium.

They hope to open their new home for the 2031 season.

Legendary Bronco Karl Mecklenburg Praises Ownership

Mecklenburg, a member of the Broncos’ Ring of Honor, where he was inducted in 2001, noted uncertainty if fans were “

“I’m so proud to be a Bronco today!” Mecklenburg posted on X on September 9. “The Walton Penner Group never mentioned the possibility of leaving Colorado but as owners of the franchise they could have. Their commitment to Bronco Country, to the team, and to building the premier sports franchise in the country is inspiring. They’re driven to compete on and off the field and are investing in making it happen.”

Mecklenburg added, “Building a new stadium isn’t charity. It’s a smart business move.”

Mecklenburg noted that stadium revenue is not part of the collective sharing that NFL teams do, and the Broncos’ owners are funding their new digs privately, a route that has drawn attention.

“They not only say they want to win but have shown their commitment repeatedly and consistently since walking in the door,” Mecklenburg posted about the Broncos’ owners, who took control in 2022. “Thanks to WPG, there will be Super Bowls hosted in Denver and more Super Bowls won by our Broncos. Thanks Walton Penner Group. Go Broncos!”

Mecklenburg’s support aligns with the sentiments of current players.

Bo Nix, Current Broncos Weigh In on New Stadium

The Broncos have never played in a dome, even one that retracts, making the new stadium a historic move that has plenty of current players, including quarterback Bo Nix, excited.

“Let’s GO,” Nix exclaimed in a post on X on September 9 as one of several players to share the team’s stadium hype video. “What an exciting opportunity for our team, our fans and this city. Thank you Greg and Carrie Penner for your vision and leadership. Can’t wait!”

Cornerback and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II also chimed in.

“I can’t wait to see what this brings in the future!” Surtain posted on X on September 9. “Love seeing Greg and Carrie continue to invest in this team and city!”

“Huge news!” recently minted outside linebacker Nik Bonitto said in a post following the news.
“Greg and Carrie Penner continue to invest in our team and city!”

Second-team All-Pro defensive lineman Zach Allen, another recently extended player, posted that the decision “is awesome! Love this investment from Greg and Carrie and so excited to keep playing in the best city for the best fans!”

Broncos Getting Love Inside & Outside of Franchise

Broncos president Damani Leech also professed his appreciation for the Walton-Penner group’s impact since assuming control three years ago.

“Greg & Carrie have been the driving force behind this unprecedented investment in our community and #BroncosCountry,” Leech noted in his post. “Along with the @CityofDenver and @StateofColorado we have a lot of hard work ahead of to make this dream become a reality in 2031!

“Go Broncos!”

The love for the Broncos’ stadium plans has not stopped with those who have existing or even previous direct ties to the franchise, with The Athletic’s James Palmer posting on X, “This is great for our city.”

Giants Dealing With Another Injury Concern as Top-Targeted Receiver Misses Practice

So far, what could go wrong, has gone wrong for the New York Giants.

The offense — again — is a dysfunctional mess, the defense lost a key player to a significant injury, and head coach Brian Daboll’s seat keeps getting hotter.

While there is still time to correct course, the margin for error is already thin after a demoralizing Week 1 loss to the Commanders.

In another sobering development for Big Blue, wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson did not practice Wednesday because of an ankle injury.

The Giants visit the Cowboys in Week 2.

Giants Aren’t Concerned About Robinson’s Health

While Robinson’s absence from practice is certainly concerning, the Giants have downplayed the severity of his injury. According to NJ.com’s Art Stapleton, the Giants expect Robinson to return to the field Thursday.

Robinson was the Giants’ second-most targeted (eight) receiver last Sunday behind Pro Bowler Malik Nabers, making six catches for 55 yards.

The Giants were outgained 432-231 in the 21-6 defeat and were one of only three teams not to score in double-digits.

Robinson’s production wasn’t far off from 2024, when he averaged 41.1 yards on 8.2 targets per game. His 93 receptions ranked 13th in the NFL.

Robinson is a Trusted Target for Giants

The 5-foot-8 Robinson may be primarily a possession receiver, but he’s one of the few proven options on the Giants’ offense.

Per Pro Football Focus, Robinson and Nabers accounted for 55.6% of the team’s targets last season, the most of any duo in the last decade. Robinson also led the NFL in targets (108) of 9 yards or fewer.

The Giants can ill-afford to lose Robinson, especially with pressure mounting on the coaching staff and front office after another dismal performance. New York became just the third team in league history to score six or fewer points in three straight openers, following the Chicago Bears (1922-25) and Detroit Lions (1940-42).

Things don’t get any easier with the Cowboys on tap for Week 2, and another poor showing could force Daboll to turn from Russell Wilson to rookie Jaxson Dart at quarterback earlier than he’d initially planned.

Nabers Dealing With Injury

Nabers, who had a team-high 109 catches for 1,204 yards as a rookie, was limited Wednesday with a back issue. But as is the case with Robinson, the Giants don’t sound concerned.

Daboll told reporters that Nabers “should be OK.”

PFF recently ranked the 2024 first-rounder as the NFL’s 12th-best receiver.

“Nabers was outstanding in his rookie season despite inconsistent quarterback play. He earned an 87.1 receiving grade — ninth best in the league — and averaged 2.17 yards per route run, an impressive mark for a first-year receiver that suggests even greater production as the offense improves around him,” PFF’s Trevor Sikkema wrote.

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