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Lynch trying to disprove skeptics

Lynch believes his play this year will silence detractors

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published May 8, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

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John Lynch is "training to be the best I can be this year" and isn't making any commitments about whether his 16th season in the NFL will be his last. "We'll see again next year," he said.

Photo by Dennis Schroeder / The Rocky/2007

John Lynch is "training to be the best I can be this year" and isn't making any commitments about whether his 16th season in the NFL will be his last. "We'll see again next year," he said.

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John Lynch has found another muse beyond his usual offseason, self-motivation tactics: doubt.

It's not his own misgivings but the skepticism of others that drives the Broncos safety as he goes through three daily workouts, seven days a week.

Lynch is convinced there's a segment in his own organization that believes his time as a full-time player has perhaps come and gone.

And while he has been down this path before, when a neck injury led to his release by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2004, the vibe feels different this time.

Having to take a pay cut in early March just to stay in Denver was one signal about his current standing in the organization's eyes. Even more telling was the cold shoulder he believes he received from some within the organization after his decision to return.

Both, he said, let him know how he's perceived at this juncture of his career.

"I think there's a split among the staff," Lynch said Wednesday after recognizing the academic, athletic and community achievements of young student leaders at his "Salute the Stars" program's annual banquet. "Some were happy for me to come back and some didn't say anything -- which tells you something."

Lynch believes coach Mike Shanahan is in his corner, "but there were some people who probably felt they were better without me" or, more succinctly, that he had become a "situational player."

Lynch, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, including each of the past four seasons, admitted that running into such resistance was "hard to figure out" and that it "woke me up a little."

But he said he's not blind to his advancing football age, acknowledging that while "there are things you lose," hard work and experience can help combat those deficiencies.

Lynch is combating his skeptics by trying to whip himself into the best shape of his life.

"You don't get your feelings hurt, because if you've been around this long, it's going to happen," he said. "You look at the great players, Hall of Fame players, it's happened to and it's just the nature of the beast in this game. But while your feelings aren't hurt, your pride hurts a little. And I'm going to show them -- that's my attitude."

Lynch, 37 in September, likely will be a starter at a minicamp that begins May 19, but it more reflects his accumulated time on the Broncos roster than his roster standing. Hamza Abdullah, free-agent pickups Marlon McCree and Marquand Manuel and draftee Josh Barrett will get their chances to impress this summer, and the best two will win out.

"I've never been afraid of competition. But it's a little different in that the last 12 years of my career, I've had a job and it was someone's job to come and beat me out," Lynch said, adding he has been assured he'll get a fair shot at a full-time job. "This year, I don't think at this position there are any jobs. There are four or five guys and they're saying, 'Have at it.' It kind of fires me up."

Lynch is working out in San Diego, apart from the Broncos' offseason strength and conditioning program. But he stressed that has more to do with family issues and a comfort level with his longtime personal trainer, Pete Egoscue, than any issues with the team.

Lynch said he has Shanahan's blessing and Broncos strength coach Rich Tuten, whom the safety said he admires, also is on board with his regimen.

"I kind of wanted to get back to my roots," Lynch said.

And the goal of his workouts?

"I'm trying to turn back time. I'm doing everything I can to do that. And while Pro Bowls aren't everything, I have made the last four and it wasn't a fluke. I can still play the game at a high level and am ready to play it at an even higher level this year."

As his charitable foundation extols, life is about striving for extraordinary things. He's taking a page from that philosophy and trying to apply it to his longtime profession.

"For a guy to play at an All-Pro level in his 16th year is uncommon," he said. "But I think I can do it."

Lynch won't put any limitations on his moving forward. There will be no farewell tour because, even if he were to call it quits after this season, which he could, it's his belief it's counterproductive to enter a season with the mind-set the end is coming.

"I'm training to be the best I can be this year and we'll see again next year. I'm not going to make any commitments," he said. "People say all the time, 'This is going to be your last year.' But I don't know that."

Pushing the limits

John Lynch has worked with former Marine Pete Egoscue as his trainer for more than 20 years and they've resumed their partnership this offseason. Core fitness and postural alignment are chief principles toward delivering total-body health under Egoscue's regimen. Among the items on Lynch's to-do list:

* Daily workouts at 5 a.m., 11 a.m. and after dinner.

* A varied approach to fitness, including items such as bear crawls on the beach, running hills, yoga, intensive stretching, obstacle course and barefoot drops in the sand.

* More pull-ups than perhaps he has done in his basement, Rocky-style.

Comments

  • May 8, 2008

    1:55 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    R8R_H8R writes:

    John Lynch: You couldn't ask for a better guy to represent the Denver Broncos. He is the epitomy of Class. Unfortunately, he was a 'situational player' numerous times last season. Lynch is a hard hitter, but can not cover the young fast wide receivers. The Broncos organization is Lucky to have Lynch in camp and on the team, to set the example for the younger guys and show them what work ethic and honest hard work is all about. Having said that, this reminds me alot of when Steve Atwater was winding down his career. Just not enough speed to cover.

  • May 8, 2008

    2:59 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    csloan999 writes:

    Gees, you guys scared me. I loaded up the Broncos page and saw that picture of Lynch and thought, "OH NO! He's retiring!". Then I scrolled down a little and breathed a sign of relief. Don't do that to me again!

  • May 8, 2008

    4:01 a.m.

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    barryvictor writes:

    John brings attitude to the field...the kind that Rod Smith brought with him...and it always infected and affected the players around them...note the drop off offensively last season with the absence of Smith on the field where the attitude catches hold?...this could be one of Denver's defining seasons with the defense and set the pace for seasons to come, if only the others will catch a permanent dose of attitude from this fine gentleman!

  • May 8, 2008

    6:32 a.m.

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    SteveC writes:

    The Broncos NEED Lynch. They NEED someone with his his knowledge and leadership on the field. Part of their problem is that they don't have anybody that the other, younger players can look up to and see what kind of work ethic it takes to be a top tier player year in and year out. Keep Lynch a Bronco as long as he to be one, sometimes performance on the field isn't everything.

  • May 8, 2008

    6:58 a.m.

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    markhead writes:

    Mr. Lynch is a classy man, a classy player, and a credit to the Bronco's organization. Hopefully he will pursue a career in some capacity after his playing days are over (hopefully with the Bronco's). Good luck and God bless!!

  • May 8, 2008

    7:34 a.m.

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    hdfresh writes:

    It's nice to see that Lynch is working out so hard this offseason. At least the man is trying to compete at a high level rather than just accepting being a situational player and slack off on his workout routine. Hope he does prove people wrong and be a Pro Bowler in '08.

  • May 8, 2008

    7:37 a.m.

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    Blind_Pete writes:

    Getting old sucks!

  • May 8, 2008

    8:11 a.m.

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    hoppman writes:

    He is a situational player, period. He not only can't cover WRs, he can't cover tightends or running backs. He is a class guy and a tough player but it is time to retire. If he doesn't make the team the fans will be going ballistic, but the reality is most players don't know when to quit, see Jerry Rice.

  • May 8, 2008

    8:55 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Cwillyrun1 writes:

    hoppman, Lynch doesn't make the Pro Bowl last year on name alone. He still has a lot of talent and there's enough talented safeties in the AFC that if Lynch doesn't have it, he's not going. Also, he's not the cover safety. His position doesn't ask him to cover downfield, it's to cover short routes or help in run support. If you think he has problems covering someone like LT, well it seems most of the NFL has that problem too.

    It's not "if" he makes the team. I have no doubts he does, I have no doubts he'll be the starter, and I have no doubts he'll have a productive season. This makes me think of Brett Favre before last season. So many people said he should retire, that he didn't have it anymore to keep up with the younger guys, but he came back and put up big numbers. I don't think Lynch would have a problem with knowing when to retire, like Rice. Rice should've known when he was demoted by the Raiders, before being traded to Seattle.

  • May 8, 2008

    9:09 a.m.

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    UncleBuck writes:

    It's tough to cover anyone when you are not assigned to cover anyone. Lynch was used to help out with the run last year which should not be the case this year. Pass defense was not the problem on defense last year.

  • May 8, 2008

    11:44 a.m.

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    jonnyrotten writes:

    John Lynch is a class act and a leader which is something this younger Broncos D is going to need.

  • May 8, 2008

    12:02 p.m.

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    Kslayer writes:

    You got my vote Lynch. I'm pulling for you buddy. I hope you go out there and show all the young kids that sports isn't always about talent. The hart has a little something to do with it too. Good luck, and here is to another Pro Bowl!

  • May 8, 2008

    12:11 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Soonerhorse writes:

    The fact that Denver brought him back surprised me. Steve Atwater hadn't declined nearly as much when he was sent packing, and he was a better player and a true symbol of the franchise. Lynch was in serious decline two seasons ago much less today. He hasn't won a contested opportunity for the ball in probably three years. I wonder how many times he has to get embarrassed by the likes of Antonio Gates before he realizes he running only on fumes and an always overly inflated reputation...

  • May 8, 2008

    1:30 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    R8R_H8R writes:

    How can anybody convince themselves that a Defensive Back - Safety - is NOT a player that is responsible for pass protection? A Safety assists with run-stop, but is absolutely responsible for pass coverage also. And at the tail end of last season, John Lynch was routinely toasted in pass coverage and eventually taken out on obvious passing downs, relegated to being a one - dimensional run stopper. You can't win with a Defensive Back that can not do both. It greatly limits your options for schemes on Defense.

  • May 8, 2008

    9:02 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    6_is_the_new_7 writes:

    Amen Blind_Pete. It's gotta hurt bad, delivering the hits he dishes out, at 37. Everyone's saying they're glad he's here for his leadership. I'm glad he's still here for knowledge and instincts. Oh, and to see a huge hit now and again.

  • May 9, 2008

    11:04 a.m.

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    UncleBuck writes:

    Being the 8th man in the box meant Lynch's primary duty was to stop the run not to drop back in coverage. I guess some know more than those who voted Lynch to the Pro Bowl. Lynch can cover a TE and can definitely stop the run. Again, pass defense was not the problem on defense last year.

    Like Sharpe, Atwater was a cap casualty and refused to take a cut in pay. Lynch took a cut in pay to stay with the team. Who doesn't get burned by Gates?

  • May 10, 2008

    9:10 a.m.

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    myerda00 writes:

    Lynch will be the SS through camp, but start seeing Hamza and Marlon as fictures toward the end of camp. Now comes a problem, Broncos carry three safeties (since Dom can play there also), John would not be on ST but Josh would, so what do you do? Keep John because he is a hellva team and inspirational player?
    Business decision, John goes.

  • May 14, 2008

    9:07 a.m.

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    Jaeks75 writes:

    Fact is, the Denver defense is better with him on the field. I mean really, would you rather see Lynch at safety or some average no name safety that we got in free agency?