Lucas Krull Bio
Lucas Krull is an American professional football tight end for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 248 pounds, he combines the frame of a pass catcher with the athletic background of a former collegiate pitcher. After going undrafted in 2022, Krull signed with the New Orleans Saints, where he made his NFL debut, before joining the Denver Broncos in 2023, where he caught his first career touchdown.
Beyond football, Krull is a left-handed pitcher who was once selected in the 2018 MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants. His unusual path from the baseball diamond to the football field has shaped a versatile profile that continues to draw attention from NFL coaching staffs.
Early Life and Background
Lucas Krull was born on July 11, 1998, in Shawnee, Kansas. He grew up in the same community, attending Mill Valley High School, where he played both football and baseball. The combination of size and coordination that he developed on the diamond later proved valuable as he transitioned toward a football-only focus.
At Mill Valley, Krull emerged as a two-sport standout, drawing attention from college programs in both football and baseball. His arm talent as a left-handed pitcher created options that kept his athletic future open, while his work as a tight end on Friday nights laid the foundation for what would become his professional career.
Path to American Football
Coming out of high school, Krull initially committed to play college baseball for Arkansas, a decision that reflected how advanced his pitching profile had become. He spent one year at Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Missouri, where he played junior college baseball and recorded 27 strikeouts over 16 and two-thirds innings on the mound.
His performance at Jefferson College was strong enough that the San Francisco Giants selected him in the 34th round of the 2018 MLB Draft. Krull ultimately chose to redirect his path toward football instead, enrolling at the University of Florida, where he played for the Florida Gators from 2018 through 2020 before transferring to the University of Pittsburgh.
At Pittsburgh, Krull blossomed into a reliable target. In 2021, he earned second-team All-ACC recognition after starting 11 of 14 games and producing 38 receptions for 451 yards, averaging 11.9 yards per catch, with six touchdowns. The campaign established him as a draft-worthy tight end heading into his senior year.
Lucas Krull Career
Early Career (2022)
After going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Lucas Krull signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent. The Saints had been impressed by his showing at his pro day, where he ran a 4.54-second 40-yard dash and flashed the athleticism and ball skills the team was looking for in a move tight end.
Krull was released during final roster cuts but was quickly brought back on the practice squad. On December 5, 2022, he was elevated to the active roster for the Saints’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, making his NFL debut by appearing on 11 offensive snaps. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 9, 2023, before being waived on August 29, 2023.
Denver Broncos Era (2023–Present)
On August 31, 2023, Lucas Krull was signed to the Denver Broncos’ practice squad, and he was promoted to the active roster on December 15. He caught his first career touchdown in Week 16 against the New England Patriots, finishing the season with seven games played.
In 2024, Krull saw an increased role in the Broncos offense, appearing in 13 games and recording 19 receptions for 152 yards. His growing involvement reflected the trust the coaching staff had developed in his blocking and pass-catching reliability.
Driving Style and Strengths
Krull’s calling card is the rare combination of football polish and baseball-derived athleticism. His pro-day 4.54-second 40-yard dash underscored legitimate speed for the position, while his background as a pitcher gave him excellent hand-eye coordination and body control. He has shown an ability to work the middle of the field and contribute as an in-line blocker.
Notable Events and Milestones
Krull’s first career NFL touchdown, scored against the New England Patriots in Week 16 of 2023, stands as his signature regular-season moment. He has also earned second-team All-ACC honors from his 2021 season at Pittsburgh, marking his highest individual college accolade.
Lucas Krull Career Wins
As a tight end, Lucas Krull’s professional milestones are measured in receptions, touchdowns, and roster achievements rather than victories. Since entering the league in 2022, he has built a steady résumé that includes a first career touchdown, 19 catches in 2024, and a contract tender that secured his place with the Broncos through 2025.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond the NFL, Krull’s path includes a 2018 MLB Draft selection by the San Francisco Giants out of Jefferson College, a notable athletic achievement that highlighted his pitching ability. His 2021 second-team All-ACC season at Pittsburgh also stands as a signature performance from his college years.
Lucas Krull Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Lucas Krull grew up in Shawnee, Kansas, and played both football and baseball at Mill Valley High School. His two-sport development at the youth and high school levels provided the foundation for his eventual move into the professional ranks.
Personal Life
Krull is an American native of Shawnee, Kansas, and he continues his professional career with the Denver Broncos. Details about his personal relationships and family are not publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season began with optimism for Lucas Krull and the Denver Broncos. On March 4, 2025, the team assigned his exclusive-rights free agent tender, keeping him under contract through the year and signaling continued belief in his role within the offense.
Krull played in the Broncos’ first three games of the 2025 season before going inactive against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4. On October 3, he suffered a broken bone in his foot during practice and was placed on short-term injured reserve the following day. He underwent surgery to repair the fifth metatarsal bone in his left foot and was ruled out for approximately eight weeks on October 27.
With a multi-week recovery ahead, Krull’s 2025 outlook will depend on how he returns from the foot injury later in the year. His prior production in 2024 and his history of multi-sport toughness suggest he remains part of the Broncos’ tight end plans once healthy.