Lucas Krull Bio
Lucas Krull is an American professional football tight end who currently plays for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 11, 1998, in Shawnee, Kansas, Krull began his athletic career as a dual-sport athlete before ultimately choosing football as his professional path. After playing collegiately at Jefferson College, the University of Florida, and the University of Pittsburgh, Krull went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as a free agent and made his NFL debut that season. In 2023, Krull joined the Denver Broncos, where he caught his first career touchdown. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 260 pounds, he has established himself as a reliable target in the Broncos’ passing offense.
Early Life and Background
Lucas Krull grew up in Shawnee, Kansas, where he attended Mill Valley High School. During his high school years, Krull was a multi-sport athlete, competing in both football and baseball. His athletic ability was evident early on, as he showcased the size, speed, and hands that would later define his football career.
Before fully committing to football, Krull initially planned to pursue baseball at the collegiate level. He committed to play baseball for the University of Arkansas before changing course. Krull instead played junior college baseball for Jefferson College, where he excelled as a left-handed pitcher. He recorded 27 strikeouts over 16 and 2/3 innings during his time at Jefferson College. His baseball prowess paid off when he was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 34th round of the 2018 MLB Draft.
Path to Professional Football
Despite his baseball success, Krull decided to focus on football. He transitioned from the diamond to the gridiron, enrolling at the University of Florida in 2018. Krull played football for the Florida Gators from 2018 to 2020, developing his skills as a tight end at the SEC level.
In 2020, Krull transferred to the University of Pittsburgh to continue his football career. That season, he suffered a knee injury that caused him to miss most of the campaign. Determined to bounce back, Krull returned in 2021 and earned second-team All-ACC honors. He started 11 of 14 games, recording 38 receptions for 451 yards with an 11.9-yard average and six touchdowns. His strong senior season showcased his potential as a professional prospect.
Lucas Krull Career
New Orleans Saints (2022)
After going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Krull was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent. The Saints had been impressed with Krull’s performance at his pro day, where he showcased his athleticism, ball skills, and speed by running a 4.54-second 40-yard dash despite his 6-foot-6 frame. Krull was released during the final roster cuts but was brought back as a member of the practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster on December 5 for the Saints’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and made his NFL debut, appearing on 11 snaps. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 9, 2023, securing his spot with the organization heading into the following season.
Denver Broncos (2023-Present)
On August 29, 2023, Krull was waived by the Saints. Three days later, on August 31, he was signed to the Denver Broncos’ practice squad. Krull’s persistence paid off when he was signed to the active roster on December 15. He caught his first career touchdown in Week 16 against the New England Patriots. In total, Krull played in seven games during the 2023 season.
In 2024, Krull saw an increased role in the Broncos’ offense. He played in 13 games and recorded 19 receptions for 152 yards, demonstrating his growth as a reliable target in the passing game. On March 4, 2025, the Broncos assigned his exclusive-rights free agent tender, keeping him under contract through the 2025 season.
Notable Events and Milestones
After playing in the Broncos’ first three games of the 2025 season, Krull suffered a significant setback. He sustained a broken bone in his foot during practice on October 3 and was placed on short-term injured reserve the following day. On October 27, Krull was ruled out for eight weeks after undergoing surgery to repair the fifth metatarsal bone in his left foot. This injury ended his 2025 season prematurely but he is expected to make a full recovery.
Lucas Krull Career Wins
Across his NFL career spanning the 2022 season through 2025, Lucas Krull has appeared in 20 games with the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints combined. He has established himself as a solid contributor in the passing game.
Key Statistics
Krull has recorded 29 career receptions for 262 receiving yards and one touchdown. His first career touchdown came in Week 16 of the 2023 season against the New England Patriots. In his most productive season to date, the 2024 campaign, Krull caught 19 passes for 152 yards while playing in 13 games. His career-high performances have come as a complementary piece in the Broncos’ offensive scheme.
College Achievements
Prior to his NFL career, Krull earned second-team All-ACC honors in 2021 while playing for the Pittsburgh Panthers. That season, he was a consistent performer, starting 11 of 14 games and averaging 11.9 yards per reception. His six touchdown catches demonstrated his red-zone ability.
Lucas Krull Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Krull comes from an athletic family with strong ties to sports. His father, Jeff Krull, was a professional baseball player who spent time in the minor leagues. Jeff Krull later transitioned to coaching and currently serves as the head baseball coach at Ottawa University in Kansas. This family legacy in athletics helped shape Lucas’s development as a multi-sport athlete during his youth.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with promise for Krull as he looked to build upon his breakout 2024 campaign. He appeared in the Broncos’ first three games of the season, continuing to serve as a reliable tight end in the rotation. However, the season took an unfortunate turn when he was declared inactive for the Week 4 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
During practice on October 3, Krull suffered a broken bone in his foot. The injury required surgery to repair the fifth metatarsal bone in his left foot. The Broncos placed him on short-term injured reserve, and he was subsequently ruled out for eight weeks following the procedure. This injury ended his 2025 season after just three appearances. Despite this setback, Krull’s future with the Broncos remains secure, and he is expected to make a full recovery for the 2026 season.