Karene Reid


Karene Reid is an American professional football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He played college football for the Utah Utes.

Early life

Reid was born on February 19, 2000 in American Fork, Utah to Spencer and Marrieta Reid. He attended Timpview High School in Provo, Utah, where he racked up 185 tackles with 26 being for a loss, 5.5 sacks, one pass deflection, two interceptions, and a forced fumble on the football team. He initially committed to play college football at the Utah State, but later decided to walk on at the University of Utah.

College career

In his first career game in 2021, Reid tallied 15 tackles, a sack, and an interception in a win over 2021 [Washington State Cougars football team|Washington State], earning Pac-12 Conference freshman of the week honors. He finished the season with 45 tackles with two of them going for a loss, a sack, two pass deflections, and an interception. In week 3 of the 2022 season, Reid intercepted a pass and had half a sack in a 35–7 win over 2022 [San Diego State Aztecs football team|San Diego State]. In week 12, he recovered a fumble and returned it 11 yards for a touchdown in a 20–17 loss to 2022 [Oregon Ducks football team|Oregon]. Reid finished his 2022 season with 72 tackles with 9.5 being for a loss, five sacks, three pass deflections, an interception, a fumble recovery, a forced fumble, and a touchdown, and was named second-team all-Pac-12.
Ahead of the 2023 season, Reid was named to the Butkus Award watchlist, which is awarded to the nation's best linebacker, as well as a preseason first-team all-Pac-12 selection. In 2023, he appeared in 11 games, posting 67 tackles with two tackles for loss, four pass deflections, and one interception, earning second-team all-Pac-12 honors.

Professional career

After going unselected in the 2025 NFL draft, Reid signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent. He made the initial 53-man roster to start the season after a standout preseason performance. On November 11, 2025, Reid was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury suffered in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders season|Las Vegas Raiders]. He was activated on January 6, 2026.

Personal life

Reid has two brothers and one sister. His brother Gabe plays college football for the Utah Utes. He is married to his wife, Addison. Reid's father, Spencer, who is originally from American Samoa, was a linebacker in the NFL, playing for the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts during his career.