With the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Selection Committee taking votes on the Class of 2021 on Tuesday, it won't be long until we learn whether nine is the magic number for John Lynch. The nine-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro has reached the finalist stage eight times before but has not yet made the final cut to earn a hold jacket.
As we reflect on his career, here's a brief look at some of his most memorable and most productive games with the Broncos.
Week 4, 2004 season: Broncos 16, Buccaneers 13
With the Buccaneers, Lynch had matriculated from an unheralded third-round pick to an All-Pro safety known as one of the most-feared hitters in the NFL. But a year after helping lead Tampa and its star-studded defense to a blowout victory in Super Bowl XXXVII, the Buccaneers parted ways with Lynch and future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Warren Sapp, two of their top players, in a series of cost-saving moves.
Lynch had wanted to stay in Tampa and offered to have his contract restructured, but the Bucs denied that request and chose to release him, which led the perennial Pro Bowler to sign with the Broncos as a free agent.
Four weeks into his first season in Denver, Lynch would be back in Tampa — this time as an opponent. But in anticipation of his first game against his old team, he was out of sorts.
"Last night, to be honest, I didn't sleep a wink," Lynch said after the game. "I don't know if I was that nervous for the Super Bowl."
The Buccaneer faithful showered Lynch with raucous cheers, and he returned the gesture with a nearly impeccable performance. He tallied seven tackles, including two behind the line of scrimmage. One of those — a collision with future Ring of Honor fullback Mike Alstott — ended a drive near midfield on third down.
As the game came to a close, Lynch walked off the field with tears in his eyes, cherishing having gotten not only the win, but also some closure to his time in Tampa.
"You caught me at a bad moment," Lynch said. "The emotions hit me hard, and I was overwhelmed."
Check out our best photos of John Lynch, an eight-time finalist for selection into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Denver Broncos held a press conference at their Dove Valley facility to announce the signing of John Lynch.
The Denver Broncos held a press conference at their Dove Valley facility to announce the signing of John Lynch.
The Denver Broncos held a press conference at their Dove Valley facility to announce the signing of John Lynch.
John Lynch and Champ Bailey chat before the start of the game during the preseason NFL game against the Washington Redskins on August 9, 2004 at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
John Lynch moves in to make a play during the preseason NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on August 15, 2004 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.
John Lynch drops back into pass coverage during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
John Lynch heads into the locker room before the start of the pre game ceremonies during the NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on September 26, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
John Lynch runs onto the field during the player introductions during the NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on September 26, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (motion blur effect)
John Lynch surveys the line of scrimmage during the NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on September 26, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Al Wilson and John Lynch converge to stop a Chargers ball carrier during the NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on September 26, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
John Lynch runs onto the field during the player introductions during the NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on September 26, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
John Lynch at his safety position during the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 3, 2004 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
John Lynch stuffs Mike Alstott during the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 3, 2004 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
John Lynch stuffs Mike Alstott during the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 3, 2004 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
John Lynch can''t hide his emotions after his new team defeated his old team in Tampa Bay during the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 3, 2004 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Denver Bronco safety John Lynch is nearly brought to tears after fans in Tampa Bay applauded the former 11 year Buccaneer veteran as he left the field Sunday night during the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 3, 2004 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
John Lynch greets ex-Buccaneers teammate Warren Sapp after the game during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on October 17, 2004 at Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California.
John Lynch moves in to make a play during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 25, 2004 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Images of John Lynch taken for the cover story for Broncos Gameday Magazine.
John Lynch and Donnie Spragan during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on November 28, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
John Lynch during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on November 28, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
John Lynch during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on November 28, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
John Lynch and Kelly Herndon during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on November 28, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
John Lynch helps up Drew Brees during the NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on December 5, 2004 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California.
John Lynch sacks Drew Brees during the NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on December 5, 2004 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California.
John Lynch and Drew Brees during the NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on December 5, 2004 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California.
John Lynch during the NFL game against the Miami Dolphins on December 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
John Lynch pressures AJ Feeley during the NFL game against the Miami Dolphins on December 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
John Lynch during the NFL game against the Miami Dolphins on December 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
John Lynch makes a tackle. 12/12/2004
Denver Broncos 20 vs. Miami Dolphins 17
Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium
Denver, CO
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
John Lynch sacks AJ Feeley for a loss. 12/12/2004
Denver Broncos 20 vs. Miami Dolphins 17
Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium
Denver, CO
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
during the NFL game against the Miami Dolphins on December 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Jake Plummer celebrates the Broncos victory with John Lynchduring the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans on December 25, 2004 at The Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee.
John Lynch flattens Dallas Clark with a huge hit. Lynch was later fined $75,000 for this illegal hit. 01/02/2005
Denver Broncos 33 vs. Indianapolis Colts 14
Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium
Denver, CO
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
John Lynch makes a one-handed tackle. 01/02/2005
Denver Broncos 33 vs. Indianapolis Colts 14
Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium
Denver, CO
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
John Lynch greets Peyton Manning during the opening coin toss during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts on January 2, 2005 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
08/27/05: Denver Broncos 37 vs Indianapolis Colts 24 pre season game at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO.
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
08/27/05: Denver Broncos 37 vs Indianapolis Colts 24 pre season game at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO.
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
02 September 2005: Denver Broncos VS. Arizona Cardinals Sun Devil Stadium Tempe, AZ Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates.
11 Sept 2005: Denver Broncos 10 @ Miami Dolphins 34
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
18 September 2005: The Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers player at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 20-17. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
18 September 2005 Invesco Field at Mile High Denver, CO Denver Broncos vs. San Diego Chargers Denver 20, San Diego 17 Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates.
26 Sept 2005: Denver Broncos 30 vs. Kansas City Chiefs 10
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
09/26/05: The Denver Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 30-10 on a monday night match up at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO.Sep
02 OCT 2005: The Denver Broncos defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-7 at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, FL.
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
09 OCT 2005: The Denver Broncos defeated the Washington Redskins 21-19 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO. Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
16 October 2005: The Denver Broncos defeat the New England Patriots 28-20 at Invesco Field at Mile High. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
16 October 2005: The Denver Broncos defeat the New England Patriots 28-20 at Invesco Field at Mile High. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
16 October 2005: Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots Denver 28, New England 20. Invesco Field at Mile High Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson and Associates
Denver Broncos vs. New York Giants Giants Stadium East Rutherford, NJ 23-OCT-2005 CREDIT: Trevor Brown, Jr/Rich Clarkson and Associates
30 October 2005: The Denver Broncos defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 49-21 at Invesco Field at Mile High. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
30 OCT 2005: The Denver Broncos defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 49-21 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO. Photo: Justin Tafoya/Rich Clarkson and Associates
30 OCT 2005: The Denver Broncos defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 49-21 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
20 NOV 2005: The Denver Broncos defeated the New York Jets 27-0 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
24 NOV 2005: The Denver Broncos defeated the Dallas Cowboys 24-21 in overtime on Thanksgiving Day in Dallas, TX.
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
31 DEC 2005: The Denver Broncos defeated the San Diego Chargers 23-7 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA.
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
31 DEC 2005: The Denver Broncos defeated the San Diego Chargers 23-7 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA.
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
31 DEC 2005: The Denver Broncos defeated the San Diego Chargers 23-7 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA.
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
31 DEC 2005: The Denver Broncos defeated the San Diego Chargers 23-7 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA.
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
31 DEC 2005: The Denver Broncos defeated the San Diego Chargers 23-7 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA.
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
14 JAN 2006: The Denver Broncos take on the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
14 JAN 2006: The Denver Broncos take on the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
14 JAN 2006: The Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 27-13 in the AFC Divisional Playoff at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO. The Broncos victory advanced them to the AFC Championship against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
14 JAN 2006: The Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 27-13 in the AFC Divisional Playoff at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO. The Broncos victory advanced them to the AFC Championship against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
14 JAN 2006: The Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 27-13 in the AFC Divisional Playoff at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO. The Broncos victory advanced them to the AFC Championship against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
14 JAN 2006: The Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patritos in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO.
Photo: Justin Tafoya/Rich Clarkson and Associates
HONOLULU - FEBRUARY 12: Champ Bailey #24 of the Denver Broncos National Football Conference NFC All-Stars runs back an intercepted pass at the 2006 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on February 12, 2006 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The NFC defeated the AFC 23-17. (Photo by Paul Spinelli/Getty Images) * Local Caption* Champ Bailey
17 SEPT 2006: The Denver Broncos take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO. Photo: Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
17 SEPT 2006: The Denver Broncos take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO. Photo: Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
24 SEPT 2006: The Denver Broncos take on the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA. Photo: Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
09 OCT 2006: The Denver Broncos take on the Baltimore Ravens at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO. Photo: Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
2006 OCT 09: The Denver Broncos defeated the Baltimore Ravens 13-3 during the NFL Monday Night football game at Invesco Field in Denver, CO. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
15 OCT 2006: The Denver Broncos take on the Oakland Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO. Photo: Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
20061015: The Denver Broncos defeated the Oakland Raiders 13-3 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
12 November 2006: The Denver Broncos play the Oakland Raiders in week 10 NFL action at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates, LLC
2006 NOV 19: The Denver Broncos were defeated by the San Diego Chargers 35-27 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
2006 DEC 17: The Denver Broncos deafeated the Arizona Cardinals 37-20 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
24 DEC 2006: The Denver Broncos defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 24-23 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
24 DEC 2006: The Denver Broncos defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 24-23 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
24 DEC 2006: The Denver Broncos defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 24-23 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
24 December 2006: The Denver Broncos play the Cincinnati Bengals in week 16 NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO. Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates, LLC.
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Denver Bronco safety John Lynch and teammates bring down Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson behind the line of scrimmage.
Denver Broncos in action against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium September 9, 2007
Denver Broncos in action against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Invesco Field September 23, 2007
Denver Bronco safety John Lynch and the defensive corp stops Green Bay running back Deshaun Wynn on the Green Bay one yard line in first half action at Invesco Field.
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Week 6, 2005 season: Broncos 28, Patriots 20
In a game that would in some ways foreshadow the playoff matchup that was to come, the Broncos and their pass defense held their ground against the two-time defending champion Patriots and quarterback Tom Brady.
Behind a stingy start by the defense and a three-touchdown second quarter, the Broncos jumped out to a 21-3 halftime lead. Lynch played a key role, especially early; he ended three Patriots drives with pass breakups to force punts.
His presence was all the more vital in the second half, when Champ Bailey left the game with a sore hamstring. The Broncos bent but did not break, holding off Brady's comeback attempt in the fourth quarter.
"We're proud of what we've done so far," Lynch said, "but our goal is to do much more."
That quote would prove prescient.
Week 17, 2005 season: Broncos 23, Chargers 7
Lynch, who grew up in the San Diego area, always seemed to save something special for games at Qualcomm Stadium. In his first two games there as a Bronco, Lynch had the only two games of his career in which he forced two fumbles. The first didn't result in a win, but the second did.
The veteran safety was a terror for the Chargers' quarterbacks, as he sacked Drew Brees and Philip Rivers once apiece, and forced a fumble each time. The first was recovered by the Broncos at the Chargers' 1-yard line, setting up an easy touchdown. The second was recovered by San Diego in the end zone a Broncos safety.
"I love the way he plays," Bailey said after the game. "You know that No. 47 is always going to be ready to play. When he lines up, you feel confident in what he can do."
2005 Divisional Round: Broncos 27, Patriots 13
Lynch's four years with the Broncos peaked during the 2005 season, a 13-3 campaign that then brought about the franchise's first postseason win since Super Bowl XXXIII. That record had earned Denver a first-round bye and a home game in the Divisional Round against the Patriots, winners of three of the previous four Super Bowls. Brady had yet to lose a playoff game, and he had just completed perhaps his most productive season of his career to that point.
But Lynch and the Broncos would fluster Brady like no other team had. Early in the game, amid a thundering din from the Mile High crowd, the Patriots committed a false start, which sent the mob further into hysterics. Lynch proceeded to provide more encouragement to them, Michael Silver reported for Sports Illustrated, and an annoyed Brady yelled to him, "That's right, John, you get 'em fired up!"
Lynch and Denver's defense didn't let up, holding Brady and the Patriots to just 13 points. Bailey provided one of the best defensive plays in franchise history with a 100-yard interception return that came up just short of a touchdown, and Lynch then ended New England's final possession with an interception of his own.
Week 17, 2007 season: Broncos 22, Vikings 19
In what would end up being his final NFL game, Lynch didn't have any eye-popping statistics, though he did lead the Broncos in tackles with nine. The game didn't have any playoff consequences for the Broncos, but Lynch and his teammates had bigger goals in mind.
"It's about competing, regardless of the circumstances," Lynch said. "This was nice."
The game itself was an entertaining nail-biter, though the Broncos gave up a 19-3 fourth-quarter lead. Early on, Lynch provided a helping hand on a key play with the Vikings driving for a touchdown. As Minnesota running back Chester Taylor ran on a sweep play to the right pylon, Lynch took his blocker to the ground just in front of the goal line, forcing Taylor to dive over him with the ball outstretched. At that moment, Taylor took on contact from D.J. Williams in midair, losing the ball just as it was about to cross the goal line. The turnover would prove critical for Denver.
In overtime, the Broncos forced a turnover and recovered the ball in the red zone, setting up a chip shot game-winner for Jason Elam.
For Lynch, who admitted that he was considering retirement after the season, it was a good cap to the season and to his career.
"I've tried to play football and make those decisions at the proper time, but human nature kicks in and yeah, there were moments when you try to soak it in," Lynch said.
