Broncos' Lynch contemplates exit strategy

Safety's four years with Denver done; future up in the air

Jeff Legwold and Lee Rasizer

Published July 30, 2008 at 2:39 p.m.

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Barry Gutierrez © The Rocky

John Lynch, with his family at training camp this week, has a lot to think now that he won't play for the Broncos this season. "In my heart, I want to play, but I need to look at everything right now, and that's what I’m doing," he said.

ENGLEWOOD — 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 been excused from practice Wednesday morning for what Shanahan called "personal reasons" after Lynch did not attend team meetings Tuesday night.

The nine-time Pro Bowl selection, who will turn 37 on Sept. 25 and was set to enter his 16th season, has wrestled with limited playing time in training camp after taking a significant pay cut to re-sign with the team Feb. 29.

Lynch signed with the understanding he would have an opportunity to compete for a starting job. He consistently has said he hoped to earn as much playing time as he could after an offseason filled with grueling workouts near his offseason home in San Diego.

"I had a good meeting with Mike (on Wednesday)," Lynch said. "There are no hard feelings. I'm just looking at what's out there. In my heart, I want to play, but I need to look at everything right now, and that's what I'm doing. Is playing still part of that? I really have to look at that and see."

Lynch said he would like to gauge if he would have an opportunity to play regularly with another team but added he also would look at things outside football if he comes to the conclusion it's time to end his playing career.

The Chargers - he was raised in San Diego - had expressed interest in Lynch when he was a free agent in 2004, and it is expected they at least would reach out to him again.

Lynch also previously has drawn interest from television networks for work as an analyst.

Thus far in training camp, Lynch had lined up only in the team's base defense and only on early-down situations. He had not taken a snap in the nickel (five defensive backs) or dime (six defensive backs) packages.

In the passing-down packages, Marlon McCree usually has been in Lynch's spot, teamed with Hamza Abdullah at safety.

"I have nothing but respect for John," McCree said. "It's because of John that all these safeties in the league - Gibril Wilson, Mike Huff, Roy Williams, you know why they make so much money? It's because of John Lynch. Let there be no mistake about it.

"The league didn't even respect the position before John Lynch came. We are all indebted to John. This is taking me by surprise, and I'm sorry to hear he decided to leave, but I wish him nothing but the best."

Added Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey: "I can understand his frustration. He's such a competitor with a lot of pride. I can understand where he's coming from. One thing about John, he's such an honest guy and honest player, you've got to respect his decisions. He always knows what's important - his family, his career and his team. It's always in that order. You've got to respect that."

Lynch spent 11 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before signing with the Broncos. He was named to a Pro Bowl - last season as an injury replacement for Colts safety Bob Sanders - in each of his four seasons with the Broncos.

But the Broncos, who had taken Lynch off the field on passing downs in several games during the 2007 season, seemingly have moved on to other players at safety with the change in defensive scheme.

And Lynch knew it was going to be a competition, having said in the weeks leading to training camp he might have to "change some people's minds" to play as much as he had in the past.

The team also asked Lynch to take a pay cut in February, and after being very close to leaving the team - he said he had a statement already composed announcing his departure - he signed a one-year deal after an 11th-hour discussion with Broncos owner Pat Bowlen.

"I'm kind of shocked right now," Abdullah said. "This wasn't the news I was expecting . . . but it's going to definitely be a big void. You don't replace John Lynch, a guy like that. You've just kind of got to do it by committee and hope the guys get behind some of the leaders that are already here in Champ and D.J. (Williams). It's going to be tough."

When camp started, Shanahan and defensive coordinator Bob Slowik gave their assessment of Lynch's chance to be a starter.

Shanahan said last week, "I sat down and talked to John at the end of our OTAs, and I think John knows as you get older, there are no promises. . . . John doesn't want any free lunches, he wants to go out there and compete. He'd like to be an every-down player . . . but that's part of the evaluation process."

Slowik had said, "His chances are just as good as anyone else's chances, you just can't jump to any conclusions . . . we've got to let it unfold."

Still, as the Broncos exited their afternoon practice Wednesday and began to prepare for their nightly meetings, it was starting to sink in that Lynch no longer would be among them.

"There was no locker room talk," said Broncos linebacker Nate Webster, who played with Lynch in Tampa. "There (were) no rumors going around. So on that note, he handled it as a professional. It's still a surprise to me and a bit of a blow, because me and John go back. . . . But Johnny's Johnny. And he felt like he did what he had to do."

• July 30, 2008

  3:29 p.m.

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  Who_Me writes:

  Retire. They're just jerking you around. Leave now while you're still healthy. You did a good job.

• July 30, 2008

  4:20 p.m.

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  SteveC writes:

  So much for the Broncos showing any class. The Broncos have been my team for 35 years and I will always root for them but the way they are treating veteran players like Lynch is wrong.

• July 30, 2008

  4:25 p.m.

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  Squatch writes:

  Lets wait to hear the whole story but at the same time John Lynch is a class act and deserves to be treated that way.

• July 30, 2008

  4:28 p.m.

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  Dynamicdave writes:

  SteveC, I'm looking at this realistically. John has lost a step in the downfield coverage. He is still great on the line and makes huge hits. I am a Bronco fan, as big as they get, but I look at the situation as it should be. Play John on the line for running plays or small pitches out of the opposing teams backfield. Even on screens. But downfield, he can't keep up with the faster, younger WR's, anymore.

• July 30, 2008

  4:31 p.m.

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  Dynamicdave writes:

  Squatch, I agree. As far as missing meetings, if Shanahan excused him today and he missed last night, there is probably some kind of family crisis going on. John would not just walk away or blow off a meeting unless there was a good reason.

• July 30, 2008

  5:48 p.m.

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  dtrain74 writes:

  Why does the headline say "Lynch is done with Broncos", while the story doesn't seem to say he's done with the Broncos? It just says he missed a practice and possibly a meeting.

• July 30, 2008

  5:58 p.m.

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  SirRealist writes:

  I don't see anything wrong with what the Broncos have done, if indeed they have told John he is free to pursue other options. It was obvious last year that he couldn't catch runners and receivers the way he used to. He is talented, has a huge heart and a ton of class, and no doubt would like to play. But this team must do what is necessary to win, and that isn't leaving a guy on the field who isn't as fast as those who also play his position.

  Have a great time John. If I were you, I'd take the broadcaster option because you're going to be really great at that too. Good luck, and thanks for all your efforts.

• July 30, 2008

  6 p.m.

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  Dynamicdave writes:

  dtrain74, the RMN updates their story's. It gets a little confusing, especially when posting in the forum. I was hoping that John's missed meetings was something else (not meaning "harm" or anything of that sort). Oh well, thanks for the times, John. I wish you well, but I hope it's not with an AFC West team.

• July 30, 2008

  6:03 p.m.

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  RockiesWin writes:

  This is a great sign for the Broncos. Everyone knows he isn't the player he used to be. If he were to make the team it would show that the Broncos would be no better than last year. It is a tough reality in sports that when you get older your skills diminish. He did a fine job while he was here but it is now time to move on.

• July 30, 2008

  6:07 p.m.

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  CourtneyBrown98 writes:

  hey you got these young guys coming out and playing the game at full speed. everyone has their time. unforutunately is our very own John Lynch. He may as well retire because you already know he was a favorite amongst all safeties going into camp. But obviously his performance isnt that good anymore. there is no need in playing a guy in certain formations and stuff like dat. Im pretty sure they watched enough tape to see his short comings.You could build the rookies for that. We are very firm at the Saftety position but we will be missing his leadership skills. Marlon McCree and co. can fill that void. John has simply lost a step. and lets face it. we need all the steps we can possibly get.

• July 30, 2008

  6:09 p.m.

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  Hollywood writes:

  I don't see it as them jerking him around or not treating him right, Lynch is a class-act player, but if he isn't able to get it done in Denver's eyes how Lynch feels he can, then you can't blame them for moving on when he is getting to the end of his run. They are at least giving him the chance to find a team that will give him the chance he thinks he should get, or allowing him to decide to do whatever he wants basicly, how can you say they are not treating him right, at least they didn't wait till the season started.

  If John leaves for another team then that really stinks and he will be missed, but both have to do what they feel is best for them, and they seem to be doing that the right way.

• July 30, 2008

  6:19 p.m.

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  broncofan07 writes:

  Let's wait and hear the rest. Shanny said there were personal reasons...perhaps he is not in meetings for just that...personal reasons. This story will gradually unfold. Right now, most is speculation. Based on John's track record, he would not just walk away without informing them. That is not his style. There are huge missing pieces to this story. At least he deserves for the fans to wait for those pieces before making judgements on Shanny, the team, or him before speculationg. We shall see.

• July 30, 2008

  6:21 p.m.

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  Soonerhorse writes:

  How is keeping a guy for at least two years longer than he can play 'jerking' him around? I don't understand the sentimentality surrounding Lynch in Broncoland. He was maybe servicable three years ago...maybe. He played his prime years somewhere else. Yet you'd think he was as synonomous with the Broncos as Elway, Atwater, Smith, et al. Does anybody really think he can go anywhere and be a three down player? The Broncos are classy enough to give a fossil $1.2 million dollars to be a situational box safety, and he whines and quits so he can maybe be a situational box safety somewhere else-- and that is a real big maybe. Who is it that lacks class and loyalty here?

• July 30, 2008

  6:27 p.m.

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  bronco4428 writes:

  THE BOTTOM LINE IS HE IS A REAL BIG LIABILITY IN PASS COVERAGE AND THE WAY THE NFL IS THERES PASS HAPPY TEAM ALL AROUND AND THEY THROW NO MATTER WHAT DOWN IT IS, SO HE WILL GET STUCK OUT THERE EVEN ON FIRST DOWN. THEN THEY ARE JUST GONNA LEAVE MCREE IN THERE ALL THE TIME ITS BETTER OFF FOR HIM THAT HES NOT SITTIN ON THE BENCH

• July 30, 2008

  6:29 p.m.

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  SqueegeeKing writes:

  Truly a sad day in denver I remember when he was let go by Tampa Bay I hoped he would come here as was very pleased when he did.But to ask a player to come back, take a pay cut , then treat him like this is disgusting period! He filled a weak position for the team when they didnt have anyone on thier roster capable of doing so. and to claim they want his veteran leadership on the field then to release him what kind of message does this send to the younger players? I think it tells them to do there break in time here then get your big money and loyalty somewhere else cause is shanny changes his mind one day regardless of what he told you the day before your gone the next.
  I have been and still am a fan of 32 years but I cant for the life of me understand what goes through the mind of our coach. When will bowlen learn to put reigns on the coach instead of this free for all attitude of runing the whole show? Do like most other franchises give him a set of players and see what he can do with them that is the mark of a truly good coach. Just one more screw up in the world of colorado sports at least we still have hockey to look forward to. God knows the rockies and nuggets wont bring any hope anytime soon.

• July 30, 2008

  6:38 p.m.

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  CoLoradoCitizen writes:

  Treat him like this? Former players and coaches have broken it down...... Lynch, great guy no doubt, is awfully slow. If he is in the game, quarterbacks will target his area and easily take advantage of him. Like Atwater, Great Guy, but it was definitely time to retire. He'll only embarass himself if he continues.

• July 30, 2008

  6:42 p.m.

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  mrfxx writes:

  damndamndamndamndamndamndamn - losing 2 class acts in under a month - what a shame for the locker room.

  Although - for those of you complaining about how the Broncos are treating Lynch - it does appear that the team gave him every chance to take a secondary role - but Lynch appears to want more. The Broncos organization isn't making it any harder on him than it needs to be to try to find another team that agrees with him - or retire.

• July 30, 2008

  6:46 p.m.

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  kerrdawg writes:

  I think Shannahan deserves a pat on the back for this one. He gave Lynch every opportunity to prove he could still play. It was obvious over the last two years he was a liability in coverage, yet the coaching staff gave him the benefit of the doubt and allowed him to compete. If he is not showing anything at the beginning of camp, it's just gonna get worse as the year drags on and his body takes the punishment of another NFL season. I thank John for everything he has done for us, he WAS truly a great player. Like a lot of great players, he wants to play, but it's the coaches job to tell these guys when enough is enough. Good luck John in whatever you do next.

• July 30, 2008

  6:53 p.m.

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  Dynamicdave writes:

  SqueegeeKing, you're missing the big picture, here. Lynch was slowing down. That was proven last year. A football teams main goal and objective is to win the Superbowl. If a player doesn't meet the standards, any longer, then what, the coach is supposed to keep him because he's a nice guy? That's makes no sense. It's not looking after the teams best interest, or for that matter, the fans, who have to watch their team suffer because someone can no longer cut the mustard. You want him to stay regardless of his ability to get the job done. That is NOT looking at the big picture. You're thinking with your heart, not your head.

• July 30, 2008

  6:56 p.m.

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  Cutler6 writes:

  Every bronco fan needs to realize that this is a professional sport that the intention is to put the most talented players on the field to hopefully ultimately win a superbowl. Not just keep players for sentimental reasons. If that was the case some of these players would probably try to play well into their forties if the coach didn't give them a reality check. John Lynch is a great person but no longer even close to a great player.

• July 30, 2008

  7:01 p.m.

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  SteveC writes:

  First Smith on offense, now Lynch on defense. I hope somebody steps up to fill the HUGE leadership roles both these guys played. Two class act veterans gone in a month. Gonna be a long year.

• July 30, 2008

  7:21 p.m.

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  Dynamicdave writes:

  SteveC, losing Smith and Lynch, in no way means we're going to be in for a long year. McCree can get the job done. So can Abzullah. Also, we have some hot, young talent at the WR position. These guys (Smith & Lynch) were leaders, yes, but nobody is irreplaceable. There are people like Champ and Boss who can lead the defense. And as for the offense, we have Cutler, who is beginning to stand out. We have Nalen. We have Stockley. These are people who are able to lead by way of example. Casey, even though he is new on the team, has leadership ability. We will be ok. If it's going to be such a long year, as you seem to be so sure of, maybe you should keep your tv off and save yourself from the suffering that you believe you'll witness?

• July 30, 2008

  7:45 p.m.

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  farsidefan writes:

  John reminded me a lot of a former player we had here: Steve Foley. It is now his time to move into another chapter of his life.
  He is a terrific guy. John, thanks for your time here in Denver.

• July 30, 2008

  7:55 p.m.

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  Jim_in_Erie writes:

  Best of luck Mr Lynch, you strike me as a very classy dude, something all to often missing in 'professional' sports anymore.
  For what it's worth, sports broadcasting could sure use a few more people who don't mangle the language.

• July 30, 2008

  8:14 p.m.

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  CourtneyBrown98 writes:

  DIDNT BUCCANEERS CUT HIM? THATS WAY MORE OF A SURPRISE THEN DENVER DOING IT! BUCS CUTTING HIM SHOULD HAVE SAID ENOUGH. JOHN WAS A GREAT SPORT AND A HELL OF A PLAYER. I HEARD CHARGERS ARE INTERESTED. THATS WHY THEY CUT MCCREE TO MANY SAFTIES. HE'S GOING TO END UP IN THE SAME POSITION

• July 30, 2008

  8:24 p.m.

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  jlstaud writes:

  All you people denouncing the Broncos over this one are crazy. They were very upfront with Lynch when he signed. He wasn't promised anything and he shouldn't have been. I've been to every game the last three years and honestly he isn't half as good as he was just four or five years ago. The Broncs have given him permission to look for another job and that is very generous. They could have just held on to him like Green Bay is doing to Favre. That would be classless. Good luck John. Hope you retire and have a great carreer in the booth.

• July 30, 2008

  8:45 p.m.

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  platoro79 writes:

  Greay player, great guy, one of my favorites. But I'm not surprised.

• July 30, 2008

  8:45 p.m.

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  Hollywood writes:

  After reading the newest updates with comments from Lynch, I agree even more now that both sides are handling this very well right now. Lynch wants to try to at least see if he can be a starter somewhere so Denver is letting him. Denver told him right from the start of the offseason workouts that we was going to have to earn the starting spot this year, and so the other safties are beating him out for the playing time. Lossing a Locker room leader (2 of them so far) will be bad but its not something the team can't get past.
  I don't understand why some people are acting like Mike and Denver is being so bad to Lynch, they told him he had to earn the spot this year before things started, when he relized he could earn that chance here he asked professionally to be released so he can look into other things and other chances. And it seems like with what we have heard so far the they are allowing him to with out any issues. So how is this being bad, or classless. Mike could have said no you agreed to come back and you either have to play whatever role we give you, or retire.

• July 30, 2008

  8:46 p.m.

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  Dynamicdave writes:

  CourtneyBrown98, the Bucs cut him because they were concerned about his neck injury. He could still play. His ability was still there. It's diminished over the past 3 years. Personally, I think at this point, it would be in his best interest to retire, but I think he will find another team.

• July 30, 2008

  8:49 p.m.

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  Battlehoss writes:

  I say he signs with the Bolts. Gets another ring before he retires!

• July 30, 2008

  9:04 p.m.

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  aragornzxl writes:

  but nobody is irreplaceable-Dynamicdave
  Rod Smith and John Lynch are irreplacable, and so is John Elway, Ed MacCaffrey, Steve Atwater, Dan Neil, Al Wilson, Terell Davis etc

• July 30, 2008

  9:36 p.m.

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  MarcoPolo writes:

  At least he's pursuing other options BEFORE retiring, unlike Brain-Favre.

• July 30, 2008

  9:51 p.m.

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  bigbadthor writes:

  Good luck to Lynch, another great Bronco safety, even if he started in Tampa Bay. I don't think the Broncos treated him wrong, they gave him an oppurtunity to compete, but he has lost a step and it isn't like the rest of the league is going to lay back and say "well John Lynch is in there so we will run the ball since we know he has a hard time in coverage", the point is, we are trying to win, and Shannan is going to put the best players that can help the team win on the field. I understand he wants to start, but unless he wants to switch to a weakside LB, I really can't see him starting for a team. I enjoyed his time here, but listen to Shannon Sharpe and better to leave a year early than a year too late. I hope he considers coaching, I am sure he and Rod Smith would be great coaches in this league and for the Broncos.

• July 30, 2008

  10:37 p.m.

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  Highcountry writes:

  The Broncos are going to release him. That is classy. Especially considering he might "bolt" to the Chargers. The Denver Broncos are much classier than those cheesy folks in the Frozen Tundra.

• July 30, 2008

  10:46 p.m.

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  Dynamicdave writes:

  aragornzxl, Wrong. Nobody is irreplaceable. It happens every year, since the day football was invented. People replace people, it's the nature of the business. People get older, they get replaced. People get older, they retire, they get replaced. Rod Smith was great and a class act. So was Lynch. But records are meant to be broken. I will never believe, nor ever be convinced that one person can make or break a team. Even QB's. Elway had his run, he retired, he was replaced. We haven't gone to the big game and won in 10 years, but Elway didn't win one till he had other players to help compliment his talents and game. Cutler has potential and he is already shattering Johns records. John was benched his 1st year. Not Jay, even though he didn't start till the last 5 games of the season. Don't get me wrong. John Elway was the best thing that happened to the Broncos, to date, but he wasn't the messiah and he is gone. There are new records to be had and broken. I will always be the "glass half full" kind of person. Nobody is irreplaceable.

• July 30, 2008

  11:08 p.m.

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  Spider writes:

  My take on the whole thing is that John didn't feel that he was being given the opportunity to play on passing downs. Being the class guy that he is he went straight to Shanny an expressed how he honestly felt. Shanny out of respect agreed to Jonh's wishes. The only thing that the Broncos could have done better in my eyes would have been to let him in on some of the passing plays. After all of his hard training over the off-season he should have been granted the opportunity to show that he still had it in him or see for himself that he had lost too much to play in passing situations. Had they done that I think he would have stayed and still would have been a force to reckon with against the run. In any case he was a credit to the Denver defense and to the orginization. He will be missed on the field and in the locker room. I would have liked to see him retire a Bronco after a great one more season. Better yet I would have loved to see him in a Bronco uniform from the very start of his career.

• July 30, 2008

  11:11 p.m.

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  Jonah writes:

  It is obvious that Bowen is happy with two Superbowl championships, and now is selling off or running off expensive players. He thinks he will sell tickets anyway, so he is putting the cheapest them he can on the field - he cares only about money now, not the fans, not winning, only money.

• July 30, 2008

  11:22 p.m.

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  Dynamicdave writes:

  Jonah, you need to check what your putting in your coffee. He has great talent this year. We have Marshall, Stokley, and some new talent like Royal. There is Clady. There is Colbert. There is Wiegmann. We paid for Boss Bailey. Oh, don't forget Champ. We have Cutler. We got Hillis. I don't know what you've been watching, but it must have been a different Bronco team then ours. I see so many of you "glass half empty" guys. If we need negativism and poor statements, we would read Lincicome.

• July 31, 2008

  12:42 a.m.

  easy writes:

  (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

• July 31, 2008

  12:59 a.m.

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  Dynamicdave writes:

  easy, YOU are the biggest moron I've seen make a post. Go back to Oakland, you loser.

• July 31, 2008

  1:54 a.m.

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  angryman1n writes:

  Why Brett? WHY?!?!?!?!?!?!?

• July 31, 2008

  2:14 a.m.

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  easy writes:

  good one dynamicd0uche.

  don't be angry b/c john lynch is dirty and you like him that way. take your unnatural love for "lynchie", as you like to call him, and leave it in your bedroom. I'm not on here talking about my private life. Sicko.

• July 31, 2008

  7:18 a.m.

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  LingLingfor_prez writes:

  Go Chargers!

• July 31, 2008

  8 a.m.

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  Jared0709 writes:

  The NFL is business and the Broncos are in that business. Sounds like Mike and John are on the same page, even if they disagree. Sounds professional to me.

• July 31, 2008

  8:19 a.m.

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  Squatch writes:

  I'm sad to see this actually happened but i'm not surprised once he was asked to take a pay cut the writing was on the wall. I wont be shocked if he gets a call from the Colts since Bob Sanders is often hurt. Lynch has lost a step but the knowledge he could have passed on to the younger guys is priceless problem is he still feels that he's a full time starter. I'm concerned that the Broncos want to preach they are all about Character guys but let one of the BEST character guys go. Thanks John you were an important piece of the puzzle the last 4 years I just wish you would have left Tampa 4 years earlier and joined the Broncos.

• July 31, 2008

  8:48 a.m.

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  Littleboyblue writes:

  Stop the nonsense. You have to be able to run in this league, and he no longer can? I will miss the big hits, though! Bottom line...you can't play safety running 4.8 or slower in the 40. He can't help over the top anymore because he can't get over there!

• July 31, 2008

  9:12 a.m.

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  Cwillyrun1 writes:

  Good luck to John Lynch whatever he chooses to do. I'd like to see him retire and go out with class instead of hanging on when his skills have declined to the point people would feel bad for him getting beat on the field (if that were to happen). The Broncos aren't jerking him around. They're letting him know the situation and he has an opportunity to evaluate what he wants for the future. Jerking him around would be something along the lines of cutting him at the end of camp without any indication and no chance to catch on with another team. It won't be the same without Lynch, just as it wasn't when the other great safeties the Broncos have had retired or left. Dennis Smith....... and Steve Atwater, who should've never went to the Jets, and Billy Thompson. Those guys are players that don't get replaced, only their positions get filled by someone else.

  John Lynch = class, heart, dedication and more. Us Bronco fans will miss you, dude.

• July 31, 2008

  9:16 a.m.

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  T1anda writes:

  A great career for a hard hittin classy guy!!
  Good luck in the future!!!

  Hope he takes a job in broadcasting! I'm sure he will ace that also!!
  I'm one Denver fan who will be looking to see him again!! On the field or off the field!!

• July 31, 2008

  9:39 a.m.

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  lawdog93 writes:

  Just how are the Broncos treating Lynch poorly? I love the guy and how he plays, but his coverage skills have obviously been declining the past few years. I can totally understand why he would be out of the nickel and dime packages. Heck, he was basically playing linebacker at the end of last year when they brought 8 in the box.

  Good luck in whatever you do John!

• July 31, 2008

  9:42 a.m.

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  Disgusted_in_Denver writes:

  This is a clear case again of the Broncos front office jerking people around. They had to know last year that it was probably his last year. Heck I could see it as a casual football fan. Why in the world do they play these games in the offseason with him, Bowlen pushing hard for him to be back. This is what is wrong with this organization. The front office needs to get their sh** together and stick with a plan. If there is one thing that we see time and time again is the waffling that is the Broncos direction in how their defensive schemes will be. Go Chargers, go Raiders, go Chiefs! Anyone who punks Shanny's team is good with me. Ultimately he is the one who evaluates and makes the decisions, we'll see how well he has evaluated his talent in the defense again this year.

• July 31, 2008

  9:45 a.m.

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  navycorpsman writes:

  John, hold your head and leave as the professional and gentleman you are. Your work ethic and sense of esprit de corps you displayed will be missed off and on the field. I am a Charger fan but I always the utmost respect for you and the professionalism you displayed during your time with Tampa Bay and Denver. Along with Rod Smith, you set an example of behavior for others to emulate! I would love to see you playing with a Charger bolt on your helmet!

• July 31, 2008

  9:46 a.m.

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  Cwillyrun1 writes:

  dynamicdave......... what records of Elway's has Cutler "shattered"?

  When the studs aren't playing any longer, other guys step up and take their positions, but they don't replace those players. Cutler is a good QB and I like him, but he is not Elway. Elway's the best QB to ever play the game. TD was the best Broncos back ever, and when he went down, the Broncos had Mike Anderson and Clinton Portis step into the same positions, but they didn't replace Davis. Davis was something they weren't or aren't. PS- Elway did make the Broncos in the 80's. Without him, it's a widely held belief the Broncos were only an average team. With Elway, they went to three Super Bowls where they probably don't make the playoffs without him.

• July 31, 2008

  9:51 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Cwillyrun1 writes:

  disgusted in denver......... you're a traitor if you were ever a Broncos fan and your punishment should be having to stay a Raiders fan for life. They're the worst team in the NFL over a period of the last 5 years, aren't going anywhere this year, have Greasy Al as an owner, and people like you deserve to root for a team like that. Oh yeah, and the Broncos have owned the Raiders since Shanahan became coach. So, who's punking who? HAHAHA, run....... run to the Raiders as fast as you can.

• July 31, 2008

  9:57 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  shey writes:

  What I am most bummed about, besides losing one of the Broncos I have most respected through the years, is waiting for Bernie to write one of his typical nasty, negative diatribes that will leave me PO'd for days. Thanks, Bernie.

• July 31, 2008

  10:16 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  myerda00 writes:

  Just for the GHE fans from other blogs that love to disrespect others, and the Shanahan haters, here is what John Lynch said about leaving the Broncos;
  "I met with Mike (Shanahan), and we both knew it wasn't really working (splitting time)," Lynch said. "To coach's credit, he understood it and is allowing me to seek other opportunities. Just in my gut, it didn't feel right anymore, but Mike couldn't have been any better about it."

• July 31, 2008

  10:28 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  RustyWon writes:

  The writing was on the wall when McCree and Manual were brought in.
  McCree is a natural strong safety. He'll be better than Lynch in coverage too.
  You hate to lose yet another locker room guy (Al, Rod, and now John) but the game is faster than ever these days.
  To keep up with the 3 and 4 receiver sets that are all the rage, you need some cover guys.
  This isn't too different than when Atwater went to the Jets late in his career. Same basic thing.
  They could make him a linebacker, I guess, but he wouldn't start.

  God bless you and your family John. You were great while you were here.

• July 31, 2008

  11:11 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  newshound writes:

  All you Broncos' homers need to wake up. Football is a business and having an injury plagued, 37 yr old safety is not something that teams need. Yes, his veteran status, locker-room presence, and community involvement are going to be missed, but the NFL is a "what have you done for me lately" business and Lynch is getting old. He is not the safety that he used to be, and 15 harsh seasons have taken their toll. This is strictly a business decision and if you think that Lynch is getting wronged here, then go take an economics 101 class. He should retire, come back as a coach or analyst. Great guy, but its time to hang up the cleats.

• July 31, 2008

  11:38 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Orange_Crush18 writes:

  Disgusted_in_denver - Please move to Chokeland if you are so "disgusted." Oh and while your at it please change your name to "A_Disgusted_Traitor_in_a_city_That_Is_Way_To_good_for_me.

  What a schmuck

• July 31, 2008

  2 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  ifyem writes:

  I commend the Broncos for how they are handling John Lynch's recent decision to either retire, or seek more playing time on a different team. While nobody wants to lose a classy player like Lynch, the fact that his playing time will be (deservingly) cut, is the reality of his physical limitations at this stage of his career. I, as a season ticket holder, think that this parting is unfortunately the best for the both for the Broncos and ultimately for Lynch.

• July 31, 2008

  2:48 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  easy, you must have been the class clown in High School? Actually, you probably still are in High School. You talk smack and called everyone in our post foul mouth names and said we were all gay? Yet, YOU are the one thinking about all this stuff? Your low IQ type comments is what got your stupid response deleated. Keep spouting off and talking garbage. It'a easy for someone who has no real thought process. Juvenile delinquents rarely have anything constructive to say. Grow up.

• July 31, 2008

  3:38 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  BMat writes:

  Lemme get this straight: McCree played for SD last year and started all 16 games. He was cut to make room for his replacement and MCCree came to Denver.

  Now the odd man out in Denver is Lynch and he thinks he can go to SD? Why, just b/c he grew up there? The NFL isn't a pitty-party.

  How's he gonna end up in the city that just cut the guy that beat him out? I think his neck injury is effecting his brain.

• July 31, 2008

  8:30 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  FTR writes:

  Steve C. C must not stand for Class--
  John Lynch is a class act and we the Bronco Nation will miss you dearly! The intro to the Comcast preveiw on Denver Broncos .com has Lynch putting the smack down on the goal line! Love that clip!
  You are a class guy, Denver Broncos are a class act. I think there has been mutual respect given here. I total release to find a new team or do what ever you decide to do without comp to the Broncos. I would only hope that John Lynch stays a Class Act and returns the respect given him not to sign in the AFC West.
  This is only me being hopeful and looking out for my Broncos! But I have to be trueful to myself! John Lynch you go do what is best for you and your family and even if I find myself cusing you in a Charger's or (God forbid Raiders) team jursey then so be it. Thanks for your 110% effort on and off the field here in Denver.
  God Bless and Good Luck
  FTR

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