John Lynch News: Pro Sports Daily

Tearful Ex-Buc Lynch Announces Retirement

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November 18

Tampa Tribune

"Fifteen years after making his initial NFL stop against Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen, John Lynch tackled today's retirement ceremony with tears, humor and grace. Lynch described the thrill of seeing the Bucs rise from perennial losers to Super Bowl champions but choked up a bit when mentioning the drive-by shooting death of former Denver teammate Darrent Williams. Lynch, 37, announced his retirement at a news conference at the Bucs facility, officially ending a 15-year career as one of the hardest-hitting safeties in league annals. "I spent 11 wonderful years here," Lynch said of beginning his career with the Bucs. This is where my career started. I have truly been blessed by ..."

Retiring Lynch jarred bones, saved skins

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November 15

Rocky Mountain News

"To the Broncos, he is "John Legend." Saying, "It was time and I'm comfortable with it," former Broncos safety John Lynch will announce his retirement Monday in Tampa, Fla., after 15 seasons in the NFL, four of those with the Broncos. "He's definitely a legend of the game," said Broncos linebacker Nate Webster, who played with Lynch in Tampa and Denver. "Definitely a legend. One of those guys that people saw and they will be talking about for a long, long time." Lynch hadn't played in a game this season, which would have been his 16th since the Buccaneers made him a third-round pick in the 1993 draft, and he hadn't been with a team since being released by the New England Patriots on Aug. ..."

Lynch, Jackson cut as Patriots bide their time

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September 1

Boston Globe

"The games haven't started yet, but these are still wild times in the National Football League. As teams begin shifting their preparations into a higher gear for next weekend's season-opening action, they also are shuffling parts of their 53-man rosters. The dizzying pace was evident at Gillette Stadium yesterday, with the Patriots making a series of moves that included releasing veteran safety John Lynch (perhaps temporarily) and third-year receiver Chad Jackson. As the locker room doors swung open at 10:45 a.m., here was how it unfolded over the next five-plus hours: 11 a.m. - Wide receiver Randy Moss, who had spoken with reporters just once during training camp, entertained questions in ..."

John Lynch out, but likely will return

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September 1

Boston Herald

"John Lynch is gone, but probably not for long. The Patriots cut the nine-time Pro Bowl safety yesterday, but comments from both Lynch and coach Bill Belichick make it sound as if the future Hall of Famer will return sooner rather than later. “I have no regrets about my time thus far with the Patriots,” Lynch said in a statement the team released. “The immense respect that I’ve long held for the organization has been only heightened over the past couple of weeks. I am going to keep all options open and look forward with excitement to see what the future brings.” At issue seems to be the one-year deal Lynch signed early in camp after the Broncos cut him. As a vested veteran, the entire ..."

He's still a big hit in Tampa

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August 18

Boston Globe

"John Lynch may have been decked out in Patriots colors last night but for many of the red-clad 63,365 fans at Raymond James Stadium, the sight of Lynch's No. 47 brought back fond memories of the Buccaneers glory years, of which Lynch was a key cog. "I think he will always be No. 47 in red," said Lynch's former teammate and current Tampa Bay cornerback Ronde Barber. The new Patriots safety understood. He too had mixed feelings. "It's always nice to come back here," Lynch said. "The people treated us wonderfully. It seems like a long time ago now." It was a night full of emotions for the 36-year old former Stanford quarterback turned defensive back (he switched positions at the behest of ..."

John Lynch deal gives team safety plan

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August 15

Boston Herald

"Nine-time Pro Bowler John Lynch will be bringing his heavy-hitting and gritty style to Gillette Stadium, as the Patriots and the free agent safety have agreed to terms, his agent confirmed last night. While Patriots coach Bill Belichick told the media yesterday morning that Lynch was “not under contract,” the snags were ironed out during the day, and the former Bronco has agreed to join the team. According to a source, it’s a one-year deal for $1.5 million. “He’s thrilled to be with this team at this time in his career,” said Lynch’s agent, David Dunn, who has been negotiating with the Patriots during the past few weeks to get a deal done. “He could not be happier.” When asked what drove ..."

Patriots, John Lynch agree to terms

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August 14

Boston Herald

"According to a league source, the Patriots and free agent safety John Lynch have agreed to terms. Despite Pats coach Bill Belichick indicating this morning that Lynch was “not under contract” with the team, it appears the snags have been worked out, and the nine-time Pro Bowler will be joining the boys in Foxboro. NFL.com and ESPN.com are reporting that the deal is for one year and is worth $1.5 million. Lynch, who turns 37 on Sept. 25, figures to replace Tank Williams, who was placed on injured reserve last Sunday after suffering a knee injury in the preseason opener against Baltimore last Thursday. Lynch will likely be used in the same role in which Williams was being targeted, as a ..."

Lynch's departure hurts Broncos' image

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August 3

Denver Post

columnist Mark Kiszla

"Once safety John Lynch decided it was time to go, the Broncos gave him the bum's rush toward the door. It felt crummy. Put the sculptor in Canton on notice. Lynch is a lock to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Will the Broncos be classy enough to honor him with enshrinement in the team's Ring of Fame? Let's hope so. This was an awkward farewell that should give any player pause to wonder how much the Broncos really value a competitor who represents his team and his town so well. "My gut kept telling me the situation wasn't right," said Lynch, who felt nine trips to the Pro Bowl had earned him the benefit of the doubt with Denver defensive coaches. What's not right is how brave, loyal ..."

Lynch: Reduced role "not right"

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August 1

Denver Post

"For as long as John Lynch can remember, he has been expected to be an NFL starter, a perennial Pro Bowler. Those were the expectations he set for himself going into this season, his 16th overall and fifth in Denver, but after five days of training camp, Lynch couldn't shake the feeling that the Broncos didn't have the same plans for him. With his role reduced to a part-time starter, left out of nickel and dime packages, Lynch told coach Mike Shanahan he wanted out. The team still has to file official paperwork with the NFL to finalize their amicable divorce, but if Lynch, who will turn 37 in September, plays again, it will certainly be elsewhere. "I felt like for the team's best interest ..."

Lynch: Gut told me to leave Broncos Lynch: Gut told me to leave Broncos

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August 1

Denver Post

"John Lynch wore a polo shirt and flip flops to Dove Valley on Thursday afternoon, seven days into the Broncos' training camp. As Lynch stood in the shade, surrounded by reporters, his former teammates filed out to the field for practice. The split between Lynch, the nine-time Pro-Bowl safety, and the team is now official, with Lynch admitting he was unhappy with reduced playing time in his fifth year in Denver. Lynch was the starter in the base defense, but was no longer playing in nickel or dime packages. "I tried to rationalize all the reasons to stay here, but my gut kept telling me that situation wasn't right, and I couldn't make it right," Lynch said. Lynch left the team Tuesday ..."

Lynch arrives, preps for afternoon announcement

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July 31

Denver Post

"Broncos safety John Lynch walked into the team headquarters at 11:15 a.m. this morning after the morning practice, wearing his usual street attire of shorts, golf shirt and tennis shoes.

Lynch met with Shanahan and the two were to hold a press conference at 3:30 p.m.

Lynch asked for his release Tuesday night so he could explore other options, including trying to find a full-time playing job with another team. After four seasons with the Broncos, Lynch became unhappy that he was only going to play in the base defense, coming out in the nickel packages on passing downs.

Lynch, 36, is a 9-time Pro-Bowler, and was preparing for his 16th NFL season."

Lions aren't interested in Broncos' Lynch

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July 31

Detroit News

"Lions coach Rod Marinelli isn't looking to reconnect with Broncos safety John Lynch, who is unhappy with diminished playing time in Denver and has been told by the team he can shop his services elsewhere. Lynch spent 11 seasons in Tampa (1993-2003) before signing with the Broncos in 2004. Marinelli was an assistant coach in Tampa from 1996-2005. "We've got a lot of depth right now," Marinelli said Thursday. "He's a great player. I love him to death. I wish him the best."

Broncos' Lynch contemplates exit strategy

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July 31

Rocky Mountain News

"John Lynch always said he hoped to finish his storied career in Denver - a place he said "my family has loved" - but the Broncos are expected to release the decorated safety this week, already having given him permission to seek other options inside and outside football. "I'm going to explore all of my opportunities," Lynch said Wednesday night. "Is it retirement? Maybe. Is it playing for another team? Maybe. (Coach) Mike (Shanahan) has given me the opportunity to explore that, and that's what I'm going to do. But I won't be playing for the Broncos." Shanahan could not be reached for comment, but Lynch was expected to make an appearance at the team's Dove Valley complex today. Lynch had ..."

Lynch, Broncos separate

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July 31

Denver Post

"John Lynch and the Broncos weren't getting along in early March. After temporarily reconciling their differences, the team and veteran safety realized they weren't right for each in late July, either. The result is the Broncos have lost another team leader from their defense. After 15 NFL seasons and nine Pro Bowl selections, Lynch left the team's training camp Tuesday after asking for his release in hopes of playing elsewhere. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan allowed Lynch the chance to explore other options, including retirement. "I enjoyed playing with him. I learned a lot from him," Broncos cornerback Domonique Foxworth said. "It's sad to see him go." After the Broncos' workout on ..."

Lynch excused from practice, may have missed meeting

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July 30

Rocky Mountain News

"Broncos safety John Lynch was excused from practice Wednesday morning for what coach Mike Shanahan called "personal reasons.'' There were indications Wednesday that Lynch, who is wrestling with limited playing time in the Broncos defense, may not have attended a team meeting Tuesday night. Lynch, however, did not return a call early Wednesday afternoon to confirm whether or not he missed a team meeting. Lynch has played only in the team's base defense in team drills and only in early-down situations. He has not, however, appeared for even a single play in the team's nickel or dime packages. Hamza Abdullah and Marlon McCree have lined up as the two safeties in the nickel and dime. Lynch has ..."

Lynch ponders possible role change

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July 26

Rocky Mountain News

columnist Dave Krieger

"It's a little more complicated than this, but put yourself in John Lynch's cleats for a minute: The same club that urged you to come back now wants to take away half your snaps. Maybe more than half your snaps. It went like this: Head coach Mike Shanahan told the veteran safety he wanted him back on the last day of last season, when an emotional Lynch was dealing internally with the possibility that he had walked off a football field as a player for the last time. Next, while Lynch was at the Pro Bowl, Shanahan let him know he would have to take a pay cut. Next, as Lynch was considering free agency, Broncos owner Pat Bowlen lobbied him to return. Bowlen's team was dealing with character ..."

John Lynch: One more time

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July 20

Denver Post

"By the time the Broncos play at Kansas City in their fourth game, safety John Lynch will be 37 and into his 16th, and likely final, NFL season. He was the league's oldest defensive back last year, so he has substantially outlived the standard shelf life. His nine Pro Bowl selections at the safety position are more than any Hall of Famer except Ken Houston, who had 10. Yet, during the Broncos' offseason mini-camps in May and June, Lynch ruminated on how for the first time since 1995, he is competing for a starting job. Lynch was playing alongside strong safety Hamza Abdullah with the No. 1 base defense in the offseason, but Marlon McCree, who had started the previous two years for ..."

Lynch welcomes safety competition

May 30

Denver Post

"Four months after playing in his ninth Pro Bowl, John Lynch was asked Thursday if he is confident he will be a starter on the Broncos' defense. "My mind-set is I'm going to be first string," Lynch said. "That's the only way I can look at things. I've always been of the mentality that you don't think negative thoughts."... "There's competition," Lynch said. "All I wanted was an assurance that I'd be given every opportunity to earn a job as an every-down player. Whether that happens or not, I don't know. They brought in a lot of guys. I welcome it.""