Class of 2021 College Spotlight: John Lynch at Stanford

 

In honor of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2021, we’re looking back at the collegiate careers that set the foundation for these Hall of Famers.

Next on the list is John Lynch, the current San Francisco 49ers general manager and former Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety.

John Lynch never expected to be in the NFL, especially as a safety. The dual-sport athlete played both football and baseball at Stanford, and for many years it seemed baseball would be his ultimate destination professionally.

Lynch’s first two seasons in Palo Alto were at quarterback. He was never named the starter but played in eight games, throwing for 229 yards.

Going into his junior season, Lynch moved to safety. It wasn’t until his senior season that his pro potential became apparent. That year, he recorded 76 tackles and four interceptions. Lynch’s senior season was his first and only under legendary head coach Bill Walsh, who had convinced Lynch to stay at Stanford after being drafted by the Miami Marlins in 1992 to play baseball.

1993 NFL Draft

Lynch’s change to safety paid off when the Buccaneers selected him with the 82^nd overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft. He played 11 seasons in Tampa before leaving prior to the 2004 season. He retired after four Pro Bowl seasons in Denver.

Stanford Cardinal in the Pro Football Hall of Fame

• John Elway
• James Lofton
• John Lynch
• Ernie Nevers

Attend Lynch’s Hall of Fame Enshrinement

John Lynch enters the Pro Football Hall of Fame this August, and you can be there with an Official Ticket Package from Hall of Fame Experiences.

ATTEND THE 2021 ENSHRINEMENT 

Class of 2021 Enshrinement - Single Event Tickets 

Limited single event tickets remain for the Class of 2021 Enshrinement (8/8/21). Pricing starts at $29.

2021 ENSHRINEMENt single event tickets