After years of waiting, San Francisco 49ers general manager and former hard-hitting NFL safety John Lynch is being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2021.
BREAKING: @JohnLynch49ers has been elected to the Class of 2021!#PFHOF21 | @Buccaneers | @Broncos pic.twitter.com/dv0abw5LCQ
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) February 7, 2021
This was Lynch's eighth consecutive year as a modern-era finalist. The nine-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time All-Pro, and Super Bowl XXXVII champion played 15 combined seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos. During that time, he registered 1,051 combined tackles, 26 interceptions, 13 sacks, and 16 forced fumbles, according to ESPN.
"On behalf of my family and the 49ers organization, I would like to congratulate John on this well-deserved honor," said 49ers CEO Jed York via a statement. "He has achieved greatness throughout his NFL career and is a consummate ambassador for the sport. John has certainly earned the right to be called a Hall of Famer and take his place in Canton among the all-time greats of the game. Opponents knew him as a smart and physically intimidating player, while his coaches and teammates knew him to be a tremendous leader. Over the last four years, John's leadership has been instrumental in building a sustainable championship culture here with the 49ers. We are so happy for the Lynch family as they celebrate this wonderful accomplishment."
Lynch learned of his induction two weeks ago, as his former team, the Buccaneers, were clinching a trip to Super Bowl LV.
John gets the call 🙌
📺 #NFLHonors on CBS pic.twitter.com/iZyEL5QfWu
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) February 7, 2021
"I thought I always had great perspective that I gave it all I had on the field," Lynch said after Pro Football Hall of Fame president David Baker broke the news to him, "and whether I made it or not, it wouldn't have mattered, it's not going to change my life. But my God, this feels life-changing right now. So, that's unbelievable."
Lynch is one of five NFL safeties to record at least 1,000 tackles, 25 interceptions, 15 forced fumbles, and 10 sacks over his career. The others are Brian Dawkins, Rodney Harrison, Charles Woodson, and Rod Woodson.
I am humbled and honored. #PFHOF21 pic.twitter.com/Hq5UzNmb7n
— John Lynch (@JohnLynch49ers) February 7, 2021
Lynch's nine Pro Bowl selections are tied with Ed Reed for the second-most by an NFL safety. Only Ken Houston had more (10). Lynch was part of four different defenses that ranked in the top three in total yards allowed, passing yards allowed, and points allowed.
Lynch was one of two individuals to be an eight-time modern-era finalist since 2010. Wide receiver Andre Reed was the other and was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.
The 49ers named Lynch as their general manager in January of 2017, and he helped build a roster that competed for a Super Bowl in his third year with the team. The former safety is part of two Rings of Honor — one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the other with the Denver Broncos.
The complete Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2021 is listed below.
Modern Era
Alan Faneca, guard
Pittsburgh Steelers, 1998-2007; New York Jets, 2008-09; Arizona Cardinals, 2010
Calvin Johnson, wide receiver
Detroit Lions, 2007-15
John Lynch, safety
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1993-2003; Denver Broncos, 2004-07
Peyton Manning, quarterback
Indianapolis Colts, 1998-2011; Denver Broncos, 2012-15
Charles Woodson, cornerback/safety
Oakland Raiders, 1998-2005, 2013-15; Green Bay Packers, 2006-12
Tom Flores, coach
Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders 1979-87; Seattle Seahawks 1992-94
Contributor
Bill Nunn, scout/personnel executive
Pittsburgh Steelers 1968-2014
Senior
Drew Pearson, wide receiver
Dallas Cowboys, 1973-83