Lance Alan Mehl (born February 14, 1958 in Bellaire, Ohio) is a former professional American football player. He played 8 seasons for the New York Jets of the National Football League from 1980-1987. He was an All-American at Penn State University. He was selected by the Jets in the 3rd round (#69 overall) of the 1980 NFL Draft. He was named to the Pro Bowl in (1985). Mehl was the leading tackler for the unbeaten 1978 Nittany Lion team. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts Education from Penn State University in 1980.