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Lynch Will Retire As A Buc And A Bronco

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By ROY CUMMINGS

rcummings@tampatrib.com

Published: November 15, 2008

TAMPA - John Lynch is coming back to Tampa - to retire.

The nine-time Pro Bowl safety and member of the Bucs' 2002 Super Bowl championship squad will make the announcement Monday at One Buc Place, where the Bucs are planning a sendoff similar to the one they gave fullback Mike Alstott this spring.

Lynch, 37, spent his first 11 seasons with the Bucs, establishing himself as one of the game's best safeties and hardest hitters.

"He's the best strong safety I ever played with, and the second best safety ever behind only Ronnie Lott - period," said ex-Bucs teammate Warren Sapp, who retired after last season.

Lynch played his final four seasons with the Broncos, who signed him after his controversial release from the Bucs in March 2004. The Bucs said then that Lynch could not pass their physical because of problems related to a neck injury, but Lynch vowed to play on and started 59 of the 60 games he played for Denver, earning four more Pro Bowl trips.

As a result of his success in Denver, the Broncos are also expected to be a part of Monday's ceremony.

Lynch left the Broncos during training camp this year when it became clear he wasn't going to play regularly. He tried to catch on elsewhere, but he was cut by the Patriots after the preseason.

Lynch was drafted in the third round by the Bucs in 1993 and became the first pillar in a rebuilding project that resulted in the Tampa Bay becoming a premier NFL franchise. He ranks fifth on the Bucs' all-time list with 164 games played.

Reporter Roy Cummings can be reached at (813) 259-7979.

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