ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — John Lynch is no stranger to the Hall of Fame selection process.
His selection Tuesday as one of 15 modern-era finalists marks the fourth time he has earned the nod. And while the nine-time Pro Bowler still seeks induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he said the honor of being named a finalist has not gotten old.
"Never," Lynch told DenverBroncos.com on Wednesday. "You know, the only thing I need to do each and every year is listen to the names that make that final list. Every year, I've sat back as the names have been read. Last night I'm driving my kids around, so I started getting a lot of texts.
"And when you wake up this morning and you look at that list and the names that are there with you, I would say that, and then the names that didn't make that cut. Guys like Steve Atwater, who I respect so much. Darren Woodson, Karl Mecklenburg. You realize that absolutely you never take that for granted, and I'll never make that mistake."
Lynch certainly belongs in the conversation with other Hall of Fame players, as he is one of just two players with at least nine Pro Bowl selections and two or more first-team All-Pro selections to not be enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Fellow finalist Brian Dawkins is the other.
Check out the best photos of John Lynch, a 2020 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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As he approaches Super Bowl weekend, when the selections will be announced, Lynch will attempt to stay busy with his work on FOX's studio shows. During the previous selection processes, Lynch has instructed his marketing assistant to keep him busy with appearances so that he can avoid thinking about the "gut-wrenching" portion of the weekend in which the finalists sit in hotel rooms and wait for a knock that signals their selection.
"I don't spend my life thinking about it," Lynch said, "but that weekend you kind of know it's there. There's a hard deadline, and what you try to do — my advice to other people if this is their first time — try to enjoy the process. It's something pretty special. The Hall of Fame's done a great job. They celebrate the finalists. They have a nice luncheon now and make you feel good about being there. Enjoy it, as much as you can."
If Lynch has a weakness compared to other finalists, it's that he generally lets others speak for his production rather than stump for himself. Even when pressed, his answer about his candidacy relies on the opinion of coaches and players that he's faced over the course of his career.
"I think when they say, 'When you went on that field, you had to account for No. 47, or he would wreck your game plan. He would wreck what you're trying to do.' — that makes me real proud," Lynch said. "That's what I tried to do. You try to occupy a place in their mind such that they're not only focused on what they have to do, but they're focused on stopping you. I played with great teammates: the Derrick Brooks, the Warren Sapps, the Ronde Barbers, the Champ Baileys, the Al Wilsons of the world. But the fact that people said those types of things, that made me real proud."
The Broncos' Ring of Fame grew by three Tuesday with the election to induct K Jason Elam, OLB/DE Simon Fletcher and S John Lynch.
While he won't belabor his own case for the Hall of Fame, he will stand up for his position group. No pure safety who has played in an NFL game in the last 35 years has been inducted into the Hall of Fame, and there is minimal representation for the group compared to other spots on the field.
With Lynch and Dawkins in the field, however, Lynch believes the committee may be trending toward newfound respect for the centerfielder of the defensive backfield.
"One of the things that speaks greatly to my case, and to Brian's, is we were kind of at the forefront," Lynch said. "I'm a couple years ahead of Brian, [but] we were at the forefront of that changing. That's something I'm really proud of. When you look at safeties, and I think one of the reasons it's so hard to look at it in terms of numbers, is you do a little bit of everything. You're the last line of defense. You're up playing linebacker. You're up blitzing. So you're asked to do a lot, and I think that's part of what makes the position so impactful."
If Lynch makes the cut in early February, he will add a third honor over the course of the year. He earned nods to the Broncos' Ring of Fame and the Buccaneers' Ring of Honor for his illustrious career that primarily spanned his time with those two teams.
"I have my job, which keeps me very focused," Lynch said, "and my even bigger job of raising kids and raising a family. So it's not like I sit there and think about this all day long, but in the midst of that, in the matter of two weeks, I went into a Ring of Honor and a Ring of Fame, it was kind of like, 'Gosh, pinch me. Is this really real?'"
Adding a Hall of Fame induction to that already impressive list would be "pretty sweet, to say the least," Lynch said.
John Lynch announced his retirement on Monday. Here are some photos of his time in Denver.
Lynch was a leader in the secondary, alerting his team of audibles.
He was the consummate sportsman.
He never lacked a game face.
Lynch was heavily involved in the Denver community.
Lynch will be missed by the fans in Denver.
He knew how to get the defense fired up.
Lynch was a fiery competitor on Sundays.
Lynch was a 4-time Pro Bowler with the Broncos.
His hard hits became a staple of the defense.
Lynch had an eye for the football.
Opposing QBs always had to watch for him on the blitz.
Lynch leaves the NFL after four productive seasons in Denver.
He and Champ Bailey were fast friends upon his arrival to the team.
Lynch was there for teammates, and their families.
With 26 career interceptions, Lynch liked the ball in his hands.
Lynch was often all smiles on the sidelines.
But there's at least one way that long-imagined moment could be improved: if former Broncos great Terrell Davis entered the Hall of Fame at the same time.
Davis, in his third year as a finalist, remains the only player to be named NFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP and rush for 2,000 yards. Though the two never played together, going into the Hall together would be quite special for Lynch.
"That would be huge," Lynch said. "I think a lot of people know that not only were we both Broncos … but we were both San Diego kids. We share that common bond. I've got the ultimate respect [for him]. I've been very vocal about what I think about his candidacy. He was the best player in football for a number for years. I think those people belong. That would make me incredibly proud. I consider him a friend. I've been there with him — with the joy of being a finalist and the letdown of not making it. I really am praying that it happens for him, and there would be nothing better than to go in with him."
In a few short weeks, Lynch will endure the stressful process for the fourth consecutive year. And while he's honored regardless of the outcome, there's no question he hopes this year is the one that finally ends the drought.
"I've been here before, so yeah, I have [thought about it]," Lynch said. "It will be sweet, there's no doubt about it. I was raised to be humble, but people say, when they put it bluntly, 'Do you think you belong?'
"And the answer is yes, I do. Wholeheartedly, I do. There's no doubt in my mind. I hope it happens."
