John Lynch—a five-time Pro Bowl selection at safety (1997, 1999-2002)—joined the Broncos this past offseason as a free agent (March 23) and will immediately make an impact in Denver’s revamped secondary. By adding Lynch and Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey this offseason, the Broncos’ corps of defensive backs proves to be one of the tops in the NFL. In 164 career games (132 starts), Lynch has amassed 973 tackles (574 solo), 23 interceptions for 200 yards and 74 passes defensed. He has also posted six sacks (-40 yards), seven forced fumbles and seven fumbles recovered. Not only a star on the field, Lynch excelled as an active civic-minded leader in both the Tampa area and his hometown of San Diego, and he was a finalist for the 2002 and 2003 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year awards. Entering his 12th season in the NFL, he is an elite strong safety who is recognized as one of the most accomplished defensive backs over the last decade. His list of honors includes five Pro Bowl selections (1997, 1999-2002), including three starts (1999, 2000 and 2002) and four All-Pro honors (first-team in 1999 and 2000, and second-team in 2001 and 2002). He was named team captain in 2002 and 2003, and was the backbone of a talented secondary unit, which has been ranked in the top-10 in pass defense in seven of the last eight seasons. An instinctive veteran, he was a key leader on the Super Bowl XXXVII champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

• Lynch earned his sixth career trip to the Pro Bowl in 2004.
• Behind two crushing hits, including one on quarterback Drew Brees, Lynch forced two fumbles at S.D. (12/5).
• Lynch tied for the team high in forced fumbles (3).
• In Denver’s game at T.B. (10/3), where he played the first 11 years of his career, Lynch made seven tackles (6 solo) and broke up two passes.
• He ranked sixth on the Broncos with 76 tackles (56 solo) and had one of Denver’s 12 interceptions.
• He tied a single-season career high in sacks this season with two, which tied for third on the Broncos.
• Along with Al Wilson, Lynch was selected by his teammates as a defensive co-captain.

2004: Lynch brought veteran instincts and stability to the Broncos as their starting free safety, placing sixth on the team with 76 tackles (56 solo) in 15 games (15 starts) to earn his sixth career trip to the Pro Bowl. The Broncos’ defensive co-captain, Lynch also notched 10 pass breakups, one interception (2 yds.), two sacks (-17 yds.) and three forced fumbles. He delivered one of the hardest hits in the NFL all season vs. Ind. (1/2) when he connected with Colts tight end Dallas Clark on a first-quarter pass play to jar the ball free for an incompletion. He finished Denver’s regular-season finale with four tackles (2 solo) and two pass breakups. At Tenn. (12/25), Lynch broke up two passes, including one that was intercepted by cornerback Kelly Herndon, and totaled four tackles (1 solo). The veteran also drilled Titans receiver Drew Bennett in the end zone, jarring the ball lose to prevent a touchdown. He posted seven tackles (4 solo) at K.C. (12/19). Lynch recorded his second consecutive game with a sack (-6 yds. – QB A.J. Feeley) vs. Mia. (12/12) in a six-tackle (4 solo) game against the Dolphins. He forced two fumbles in an eight-tackle game (all solo) game at S.D. (12/5) while helping limit quarterback Drew Brees to a season-low 106 passing yards. With Chargers running back Jesse Chatman