Former Utah LB Makes Broncos 53-Man Roster As Undrafted Free Agent
Aug 27, 2025, 9:15 AM | Updated: 9:52 am
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 09: Karene Reid #47 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after intercepting a pass against the San Francisco 49ers in first half of an NFL Preseason 2025 game at Levi's Stadium on August 09, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Former University of Utah linebacker Karene Reid was an underdog entering camp, but made enough plays to earn a spot on the Denver Broncos’ initial 53-man roster.
Reid’s emergence means an undrafted free agent has made Denver’s roster in 21 of the past 22 seasons.
Karene Reid continues the Broncos streak of a UDFA making the 53-man roster 21 of 22 years pic.twitter.com/XWhIKaJlFn
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) August 26, 2025
Reid registered two tackles in the preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers, but it was an interception that really got him noticed.
The following week, Reid finished with three takedowns and a tackle for a loss in a 27-7 win against the Arizona Cardinals.
UDFA ILB Karene Reid will make the Broncos’ 53-man roster, per @mikeklis9news
The Denver tradition lives on, with another UDFA earning a spot on the opening roster. Much-needed depth in that room, and he deserved it 🔥 #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/C320SSMsGe
— SleeperBroncos (@SleeperBroncos) August 26, 2025
The American Fork, Utah, native helped Denver to a perfect preseason record when he finished with three more tackles in a road win at the New Orleans Saints.
Reid ends the preseason with eight tackles, one tackle for a loss, and one INT.
About Karene Reid
Reid attended Timpview High School, where he was a two-time first-team all-region defensive player.
As a three-star recruit, Reid initially signed with Utah State before flipping to Utah. He hit the field for the first time in 2021.
Here’s Sean Payton on what #Broncos saw in ILB Karene Reid.
Thought he was a “draftable player,” spent over an hour recruiting him post-draft against other teams. Now he’s on Denver’s initial 53. pic.twitter.com/fVOJntaRrD
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) August 26, 2025
In his collegiate career, he recorded 238 total tackles (109 solo), 19.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, three interceptions, 13 pass breakups, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. He had three games with 10 or more tackles.
With the Utes, Reid was a two-time All-Pac-12 selection.
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