Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Courtesy of Tampa Bay's PR department, here are an of assortment of AFC West figures on the retirement of John Lynch.
"John was as much a champion off the field as he was on the field. A true friend, great leader and a joy to play ball with. Point blank he was and is a (tough guy)."
-- Former NFL Quarterback Jake Plummer (Broncos Teammate, 2004-06)
"A quote on John Lynch? Where do I start? Honestly, I do not know if I ever played with another man who so defined being a professional as John Lynch. He was the BEST professional, and even more as a person than as an athlete. He was totally prepared, and gave you everything he had all the time, whether in film study or practice, and certainly in the game. He was so detailed, so organized, and you do not see that kind of professionalism as much as you would like. What he did was make himself the BEST player for his TEAM, and I loved that. John Lynch is the embodiment of what defines a Hall of Famer. He elevated all the players around him, made the Broncos better every day, and made the Tampa Bay franchise what it is today."
- Former Denver Broncos wide receiver and captain Rod Smith
"John was a consummate professional in his entire NFL career. He earned his nine Pro Bowl appearances by his play on the field, but he was named captain by his teammates for his leadership and work ethic. He always took time to assist a teammate, to work in the community, and you could always be sure John Lynch would be there for you on Sunday. It was an honor to coach John Lynch, and I wish him well in his retirement. He was a great credit to the game."
-- Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan
"Obviously there's a fondness for me with John Lynch. We kind of date way back to the stone ages when we were trying to build a defense in Tampa in 1996. He was one of the players who was still there when Tony (Dungy) and myself and the rest of the staff arrived.
You're talking about a guy that has worked for everything he's gotten. His humility, his ability to lead, his ability to represent the National Football League, his family, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Denver Broncos - he's all about that. He's all about doing the right thing. You talk about role models that you want your kids to emulate, whether it be on the field or off the field, John Lynch is one of those guys. He's a guy that obviously has done a lot on the football field, he'll get recognized for that. I know him a little bit better than that. I know him as a father, a husband, a great son to the Lynch family, carrying their name. He happens to be my son's (Marcus) godfather so there are a lot of connections with me and this guy.
His retirement is one that when he looks back at his career, it won't be about all the tackles that he made or all the Pro Bowls he experienced, the Super Bowl that he was able to win with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It'll be the things that he left the players to learn about being a pro, about being a father, about representing the National Football League in a manner that has been very respectful.
My hat goes off to him. I'm proud of him. I can say I knew him when he was just John Lynch, when he wasn't so famous. He knows I've got a deep feeling for this guy. I love him like he's my son. So congratulations John, Linda and all the family. It's going to be a special day."
-- Kansas City Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards (Buccaneers assistant head coach/defensive backs, 1996-00)
"It was an honor and a pleasure to play four years with John Lynch. I learned a lot from him. John was one of the most intense players I have ever played with, and he is a DEFINITE Hall of Famer."
-- Broncos cornerback and captain Champ Bailey
"Not only was John Lynch one of the great players to play for the Denver Broncos, but he was one of the finest community representatives we have ever had as well. His class and professionalism was a model for every player, and the entire Broncos organization wishes John well in retirement. John Lynch participated in nine Pro Bowls and was considered one of the great safeties in NFL history, and I was honored to have him as a Bronco for the last four years."
-- Broncos owner Pat Bowlen
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
