Cheyenne Frontier Days is pleased to announce that the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders, Miles the Mascot and Denver Broncos alumni Randy Gradishar and Karl Mecklenburg will make an appearance at Cheyenne Frontier Days on Saturday, July 22. The alumni, cheerleaders and Miles will be signing autographs, posing for pictures and meeting with fans from 11:00am to 12:00pm at the Frontier Park Oasis Area, just inside the main gate.

Randy Gradishar
Number: 53
Position: Linebacker
Year Inducted: 1989
Years with Broncos: 1974-83

Then: Randy Gradishar was the only Ring of Fame inductee in 1989, in recognition of a 10-year career at linebacker with the Broncos. During his career, Gradishar was a seven-time Pro Bowler, the most by any Bronco at the end of his career, and he is also the all-time leader in tackles for Denver, finishing with 2,049. Gradishar never missed a game, playing in 145 in a row. He accounted for 33 turnovers in his career (20 INTs and 13 fumble recoveries) and was voted the Defensive Player of the Year in 1978 by AP, UPI, Pro Football Weekly and NEA (George Halas Award). His teammates also voted him team defensive MVP in 1978 and 1980. While at Ohio State, Gradishar was referred to by his head coach -- the legendary Woody Hayes -- as "the best linebacker I ever coached at Ohio State." Randy was a three-year starter for the Buckeyes and was named to every All-America team following his senior season, as well as being an Academic All- America selection, graduating with a degree in distributive education. Gradishar was also the president of the Denver Broncos Youth Foundation from 1982-92. He was inducted in 1998 into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Now: Gradishar joined the Phil Long Dealerships as Leadership Manager in December 1997, a position in which he helps train, equip and support employees in the quest to achieve their goals and objectives. In that capacity he encourages employees to exceed customer expectations and ensure customer satisfaction. Gradishar is also instrumental in the Phil Long Community Fund, which operates in conjunction with the Denver Broncos Charities Fund to make an investment back into the communities with which it does business, as well as the Phil Long University, furnishing employees with career opportunities through quality education and state-of-the-art training. Gradishar and his wife, Beth, make their home in Denver. He has three children: Paige, Meredith and Mark.

Karl Mecklenburg
Number: 77
Position: Linebacker
Year Inducted: 2001
Years with Broncos: 1983-94

Then: Karl Mecklenburg joined the Ring of Fame in 2001 after establishing himself as one of the most outstanding defensive players in franchise history during his 12- year career (1983- 94). Mecklenburg overcame long odds to achieve greatness after being drafted by the Broncos in the 12th round out of Minnesota in 1983— the 310th player chosen. He became a starter by his third season, 1985, and went on to start 141 of the 180 games he played, which places him seventh on the club’s all- time list for games played. Mecklenburg was voted to play in six Pro Bowls (following the 1985, ’86, ’87, ’89, ’91 and ’93 seasons); was named All- AFC and All- NFL four times (1985- 87 and ’89); was named AFC Player of the Year by Football News in 1986 and played in three Super Bowls as a Bronco: XXI, XXII and XXIV. He finished his career with 1,145 tackles (787 solo) and ranks second in club annals with 79.5 sacks, trailing only Simon Fletcher (97.5). Mecklenburg’s career high of 13 sacks came in 1985 and ties for the fifth most sacks recorded by a Broncos player in a single season. He recorded 11 multi- sack games and is the only player in franchise history to record four sacks in a game twice in his career. He shares the franchise single- game record with four other players. Mecklenburg began his collegiate career at Augustana (S. D.) College before transferring to Minnesota, where he earned second- team All- Big Ten honors as a senior in 1982.

Now: Mecklenburg has been very active locally since his retirement in 1994. He coaches high school football on the staff at Kent Denver School, is a motivational speaker and does promotional work for several local businesses. Karl and his wife, Kathi, have a son, Luke, and a daughter, Kelsey.

Miles is entering his sixth season as the Denver Broncos mascot, and he continues to delight Broncos fans with his wacky antics. During home games, Miles is on the sidelines and in the stands entertaining the crowd at every turn.

A rodeo or concert ticket will allow admission to Frontier Park and access to this event. Without a rodeo or concert ticket, a $2.00 gate ticket must be purchased for admission to Frontier Park.