History of John Lynch (American football) in Timeline

John Lynch is a former NFL safety and current general manager of the San Francisco 49ers. After a college career at Stanford, he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1993, where he won Super Bowl XXXVII. Lynch also played for the Denver Broncos before retiring in 2008. Known for his hard-hitting style, Lynch earned nine Pro Bowl selections during his 15-season career. Following his playing career, he worked as a color commentator for NFL on Fox before transitioning to the 49ers' general manager role in 2017. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 25, 1971: John Lynch's Birth

On September 25, 1971, John Terrence Lynch Jr. was born. He is an American professional football executive and former safety.

1986: Bo Jackson Incident

In 1986, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' owner vowed to never draft a baseball player again after a scheme angered Bo Jackson, causing him to refuse to play for them.

1989: Started College Football Career

In 1989, John Lynch began his collegiate football career at Stanford University as a quarterback.

1991: Competition for Starting Quarterback Role

In 1991, during fall camp, John Lynch unsuccessfully competed for the starting quarterback role against Jason Palumbis at Stanford. He also considered focusing solely on baseball.

1991: Walsh Evaluates Lynch

In 1991, upon his arrival at Stanford, Bill Walsh evaluated John Lynch's athleticism from tapes and encouraged him to reconsider quitting football.

January 11, 1992: Dennis Green Hired as Vikings Head Coach

On January 11, 1992, Dennis Green was hired as the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings.

January 17, 1992: Bill Walsh Hired as Stanford Head Coach

On January 17, 1992, Bill Walsh was hired as the new head coach at Stanford, succeeding Dennis Green.

June 1, 1992: Drafted by Florida Marlins

On June 1, 1992, John Lynch was selected by the Florida Marlins in the second round of the 1992 Major League Baseball draft. He initially focused solely on baseball until speaking with Bill Walsh.

1992: Drafted by Florida Marlins

In 1992, John Lynch was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the second round of the Major League Baseball draft and played in the minor leagues.

May 15, 1993: Signed Rookie Contract with Buccaneers

On May 15, 1993, John Lynch signed a two-year, $526,750 rookie contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including a $250,000 signing bonus.

November 14, 1993: Earned Third Start of the Season

On November 14, 1993, John Lynch earned his third start of the season, replacing Marty Carter at strong safety. During week 11, Lynch recorded a season-high six combined tackles during a 45–21 loss against the San Francisco 49ers.

1993: Top Safety Prospect for NFL Draft

After an impressive senior season, John Lynch became a top safety prospect for the 1993 NFL Draft.

1993: Drafted by Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In 1993, John Lynch was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the NFL draft.

1993: Top Safety Prospect

In 1993, despite limited experience, John Lynch was considered a top safety prospect for the NFL Draft, but concerns arose about his dedication to football.

1994: Backup Strong Safety

In 1994, John Lynch remained as a backup strong safety under head coach Sam Wyche.

December 27, 1995: Sam Wyche Fired

On December 27, 1995, the Buccaneers announced their decision to fire head coach Sam Wyche after they finished with a 7–9 record.

1995: Season Statistics

John Lynch finished the 1995 season with 38 combined tackles and three interceptions in nine games and six starts.

January 23, 1996: Tony Dungy Hired as Head Coach

On January 23, 1996, the Buccaneers named Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Tony Dungy to be their new head coach.

September 8, 1996: Became Starting Strong Safety

On September 8, 1996, Todd Scott tore his Achilles tendon, and John Lynch became the starting strong safety for the Buccaneers.

1996: Season Statistics

John Lynch finished the 1996 season with 100 combined tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a sack in 16 games and 14 starts.

September 5, 1997: Signed Contract with Buccaneers

On September 5, 1997, John Lynch signed a four-year, $6.8 million contract with the Buccaneers.

September 19, 1997: Fined for Illegal Hit

On September 19, 1997, John Lynch received a $7,500 fine from the league for an illegal hit on Vikings wide receiver Chris Walsh.

December 28, 1997: First Career Playoff Game

On December 28, 1997, John Lynch started in his first career playoff game, recording eight combined tackles as the Buccaneers defeated the Detroit Lions 20–10 in the NFC Wildcard Game.

1997: Started in all Games

In 1997, John Lynch started in all 16 games

December 13, 1998: Two Interceptions against Steelers

On December 13, 1998, John Lynch recorded three combined tackles and made two interceptions off of pass attempts by Steelers quarterback Kordell Stewart as the Buccaneers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 16–3.

1998: Named to Pro Bowl

In 1998, John Lynch was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.

1998: Season Statistics

John Lynch finished the 1998 NFL season with 85 combined tackles, two interceptions, two sacks, and a forced fumble in 15 games and starts.

1999: Strong Performance

In 1999, John Lynch recorded 116 combined tackles, two interceptions, forced a fumble, and was credited with half a sack.

January 15, 2000: Victory Over Redskins

On January 15, 2000, John Lynch recorded eight combined tackles and intercepted a pass by Redskins quarterback Brad Johnson during a 14–13 victory over the Washington Redskins in the NFC Divisional Round.

September 11, 2000: Signed Contract Extension

On September 11, 2000, John Lynch signed a six-year, $24 million contract extension with the Buccaneers, which included $5.6 million guaranteed.

2000: Selected to Pro Bowl

In 2000, John Lynch was selected to play in the Pro Bowl.

January 2, 2002: Selected for Pro Bowl

On January 2, 2002, John Lynch was selected to play in the 2002 Pro Bowl.

January 14, 2002: Tony Dungy Fired

On January 14, 2002, the Buccaneers fired head coach Tony Dungy. New head coach Jon Gruden retained Lynch as starting safety.

January 19, 2003: NFC Championship Victory

On January 19, 2003, John Lynch recorded six solo tackles and broke up a pass during the Buccaneers' 27–10 road victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.

January 26, 2003: Super Bowl XXXVII Victory

On January 26, 2003, John Lynch started in Super Bowl XXXVII and recorded a tackle and pass deflection during the Buccaneers' 48–21 victory over the Oakland Raiders.

March 12, 2004: Released by Buccaneers

On March 12, 2004, John Lynch was released by the Buccaneers in a salary cap-related maneuver, despite offering to take a pay cut.

March 22, 2004: Signed with Denver Broncos

On March 22, 2004, John Lynch signed a three-year, $9 million contract with the Denver Broncos as an unrestricted free agent.

July 31, 2008: Granted Release by Broncos

On July 31, 2008, John Lynch was granted his release by the Broncos, citing a lack of playing time heading into the 2008 season as the reason for his departure.