Although there’s been little for the 49ers to cheer about this season, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee gave general manager John Lynch a reason to celebrate. On Tuesday, the selection committee announced the Modern-Era Semifinalists for the NFL Hall of Fame Class of 2018 and for the fourth straight year Lynch’s name made the cut.
More details on the Modern-Era Semifinalists for the Class of 2018 #PFHOF18 pic.twitter.com/QZgTgr7iuF
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) November 22, 2017
BREAKING: The list of the 27 Modern-Era Semifinalists for the Class of 2018 #PFHOF18 pic.twitter.com/mzruqRt0O4
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) November 22, 2017
Lynch was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft after a three-year stretch as a two-sport athlete at Stanford University.Although he was a phenomenal relief pitcher for the Cardinal, Lynch chose to pursue a career in football, and the went on the become a nine-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro as a safety.
Over the course of his 15-year career that stretched from 1993-2007, Lynch spent 11 years in Tampa Bay, where helped the Buccaneers to five playoff appearances and win the Super Bowl in 2002. Although he officially finished his career after four years with the Denver Broncos after two playoff appearances, Lynch attended training camp with the New England Patriots in 2008, but decided to retire before the season started.
