John Lynch to retire a Buc -- sort of

UPDATE, 2:11 p.m.: This is rather bizarre, but now we've learned the Broncos will be a part of Monday's ceremony, too. According to ESPN, the Broncos will send representatives of their organization to Tampa after their game in Atlanta on Sunday. They, too, will participate in the retirement proceedings, which effectively means Lynch will retire as a Buc and Bronco.

2:01 p.m.: John Lynch's career has come to an end, and he will make it official here in Tamp, where he spent 11 of his best seasons.

The Bucs have announced the nine-time Pro Bowl selection will announce his retirement in a news conference Monday at One Buc Place.

Lynch won't technically sign a one-day contract to retire as a Buc, so to speak, but his decision to announce his retirement here speaks volumes about his relationship with the team given his unceremonious exit from Tampa Bay in 2003.

We understand a Mike Alstott-like tribute is being planned for Monday afternoon. We'll bring you all the details as they unfold.

Lynch was released by the Broncos before the season and promptly signed with the Patriots, with whom he visited Tampa Bay for a preseason contest. But roster constraints prompted New England to cut Lynch just prior to the season, leaving him no place to play.

Lynch ranks second in NFL history in Pro Bowl selections among safeties, trailing only Hall of Famer Ken Houston (10 selections). Lynch figures to get much consideration for Canton, too.

Comments

[Erick]

I say sign him to a two month contract 'til Phillips comes back. We could use the help.

[Mike]

The Bucs would be wise to get him employed in the organization in some capacity, a la Doug Williams.

[DR]

Great guy all around. The NFL needs more John Lynch's!

[Tim in Seattle]

Erick, I like the idea of him coming back to play for us on a one year deal. Phillips is a UFA and will most likely play for someone else next year. Lynch can be a good backup and a great mentor to Sabby. The thing is I am unsure if he still has the fitness from his playing days. If he passes the physical, sign him to a 1 year deal. It would be a nice send off for one of Tampa's greatest players.

[Jay]

Probably the most feared safety in the NFL over the last 10 years, and one of the classiest guys you'll ever meet. Not only does the NFL need more John Lynch's, but so does Canton.

[Billy]

Migget...you're an idiot and shouldn't even be able to post comments on a Bucs blog. 6-3...1 game out of first...offense and defense ranked in the top 10...go smoke some more crack!

[Billy]

Migget...you're an idiot and shouldn't even be able to post comments on a Bucs blog. 6-3...1 game out of first...offense and defense ranked in the top 10

[John Klopfer]

I wish John Lynch the best... he is a class act!!!!

[Leo In Canada]

Best wishes to you Mr.Buc. My daughter & I wear our #47 jerseys on game day here and when we journey to paradise to attend our annual game. If our votes count, we will be at your induction ceremony in Canton 5 years from now.

[RJ]

The only thing Migget didn't do was to blame Bush, McCain or Palin for JL not being on the Bucs for the past 4 seasons. Why can't people stop criticizing Gruden. It is getting as bad as everyone blaming Bush or Palin for everything. It has become ridiculous. Gruden is the coach of the Bucs. He is not perfect, but is he really that bad? It could be much worse you know.

[Tim]

RJ ... How ??

[JK]

Tim, if you don't know go watch the Lions, Bengals or a host of other teams I could name play. What an ignorant response.

[Phil]

John I watched you drop the bucket on so many guys. You can't help but love a guy who knocks out his own brother in law. Wish you were still a Buc. See you in the HOF!

[RJ]

Tim - Look at Oakland, Detroit and Houston to name a few. They have all had MANY first round picks over the past few years, probably have more individual talent and they are pathetic. Their front offices are in disarray. Come on guys, we are not perfect and we need to improve some things, but geez, man at least we are decent. We don't have a whole lot of talent on offense and we are still winning. All three of our losses are by a combined total of 11 points and we really could have/should have won them. I think that is a fairly reasonable answer to your question. I was trying to illustrate how absurd the continuous criticism of Gruden has become and that he is not as bad as some people seem to think.

[michael m]

Thanks for all of hard hits! Every one will miss you! I hope that all teams that you helped will remenber you as the man you play the game the way the game should be played! Thank you!

GO BUCS!!!!

[Drew]

The play that stands out the most is when he layed his brother-in-law out cold.

[Bill]

Midget is a moron (and a midget.. karma is a bit....). Lynch mob your the best. Please go into the HOF as a Buc!

[Pete]

The Brother-in-law hit in Chicago was awesome. I bet that comes up at this years Lynch Thanksgiving Day Table! Miss ya Lynch!

[bucfaninPhx]

My only complaint is that the Broncos will be involved...we all know he will always be a Buc, but being the kinda guy he is, I'm sure he didnt want to say no.I feel like I grew up with guys like Lynch,Sapp, and Alstott...Thanks Johnny Lynch !!! you are the best!!

[Jesse]

I haven't been around that long, but back in 99, John Lynch was the guy that got me liken' the Bucs because he was such an awesome player.

[9equals8.com]

Lynch is one of the classiest football players to play the game. I am proud that he was and forever will be a Buc. I hope he will split time between his home in Southern Cali and Tampa Bay. Thanks for the great year, JL.

[jackpc]

Canton - get ready for three Buc hall of famers - Alstott, Lynch and Sapp.

[Dylan]

my reaction from watching john lynch play: "ouch thats going to hurt in the morning." man did he lay some lethal hits!

[James]

Mr. Lynch --- a class act on and off the field. Players like him are rare today. I hope that he decides to coach in some sort of capacity. His leadership is needed - on any team.

[47MOB]

Lynch has been sorely missed the past 4 years. Gruden has single-handedly dismantled the Superbowl team one by one--- I have a few Bucs players that are close friends (past players) that have told me that they all, for the most part, can't stand Gruden and that the biggest reason all of the 2003 SB team is not here anymore is particularly BECAUSE they don't WANT to play for Gruden any more!!!
I was really bummed when Lynch was released but, I am glad that he came to terms with the fact that he can't do what he use to do, playing the game. I have never met ANY player, besides Mike Alstott, that I am happy to say that I am a true fan of!

Do you think they will do a tribute game for Lynch like they did for Alstott? I honestly can't see anyone else wearing #47!!!