Lynch carved out legacy

ENGLEWOOD • John Lynch wanted to remain with Tampa Bay in 2004, and finish his career there. When general manager Bruce Allen told him it wouldn't work and he would be released, Lynch proclaimed he would move to another team but he would always be a Buccaneer.

Four years later, any discussion of Lynch's possible Hall of Fame career has to include the successful years he had with the Denver Broncos.

Lynch officially retired Monday, leaving behind a solid legacy with the Broncos. In his four seasons in Denver, the hard-hitting safety made four Pro Bowls and became one of the team's most popular players. He became a fixture in the community through his foundation work, which he said he will continue doing in retirement. Denver became so special to Lynch that he said his family has made its permanent home in Colorado.

Lynch will always be a Buccaneer, but he feels he will always be a Bronco as well.

"I played for two great organizations," Lynch said. "I had great memories with two organizations."

Lynch played most of his career with the Buccaneers and won a Super Bowl with that franchise, so it was fitting he announced his retirement with a press conference in Tampa.

The Broncos were represented by chief operating officer Joe Ellis.

"Like I told (Broncos owner Pat) Bowlen, you guys will certainly be represented because that's what's in my heart," Lynch said during a conference call with Colorado reporters.

When Lynch signed with Denver, it was fair to be skeptical if he would carve out any positive memories with the Broncos. He was 33, not an age in which most physical players have a career rebirth. He was coming off neck surgery. Although the Broncos were thrilled to land him as a free agent, his final years in Denver could have played out like Joe Namath's regrettable end with the Rams.

"I had some question whether I could play again," Lynch said.

Lynch admitted that Bowlen and Broncos coach Mike Shanahan "took a leap of faith" in signing him. If nothing else, the Broncos knew could be a leader in the locker room. That came to fruition. He was captain all four years he spent in Denver.

What he did on the field surpassed most expectations. Lynch played a different role in Denver, often lining up near the line of scrimmage, sometimes rushing the quarterback, and he did it well.

His fourth Pro Bowl appearance for the Broncos was his ninth overall, which is second-most among safeties in NFL history.

"He did everything you wanted him to do on the field, he did everything you wanted him to do off the field," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "He was like a coach in the locker room. They don't come around very often, and that's why I believe he'll be in the Hall of Fame."

Lynch reiterated he didn't regret the circumstances of his departure from Denver. Less than a week into training camp this year he felt he wasn't in the Broncos plans. He asked for his release, which was granted, signed with New England and was cut before the season.

Lynch said he will move on with other endeavors. He will provide color commentary for the Fox network during Sunday's Jacksonville-Minnesota game.

Although many have pegged him as a future politician, he said he has never given that serious consideration. He said he would love to be a coach, but didn't want to put in the hours necessary to coach in the NFL.

He has plenty of time to think about the future and reminisce on the past.

"The opportunity in the last couple of days to really reflect on what I loved about the game and the opportunity to play for two unbelievable organizations, in two great cities and in front of two fan bases has been pretty cool," Lynch said. "You remember a lot of great things and fond memories. It's been pretty special."

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