Last year, John Lynch had no idea how long his NFL career would last.
Today, for a whole new set of more comforting reasons, Lynch still can’t pinpoint the end of his career. Heading into his 13th season, the Broncos safety is approaching the 2005 season healthy and as rejuvenated as he has felt in years.
“I feel great. I feel like I’m playing at a high level and I can do some good things out there,” Lynch said Sunday. “I don’t know how much longer I have, but I feel like I have a lot left. Going into last year, I couldn’t say that.”
Lynch, who turns 34 in September, was one of last season’s feel-good stories. The Broncos signed Lynch after he was cut by Tampa Bay. He was coming off neck surgery, and many around the league thought Denver was getting damaged goods, a player past his prime.
However, Lynch instantly became a leader of the Denver defense, often displaying his trademark teeth-rattling hits. His injury concerns faded and he was voted to his sixth Pro Bowl.
Lynch tries not to get caught up in the past or on personal accomplishments, but admits to satisfaction of coming back from a serious injury to prove he still could play.
“You try not to be bitter, but I had a chip on my shoulder last year,” Lynch said. “I wanted to show that I can still play.”
Three days into his second training camp with the Broncos, Lynch is squarely focused on a future that doesn’t have questions.
“I can still do things better, and that’s what I’ll work on,” Lynch said. “But as long as I play, I want to make sure I’m still playing well. I don’t want to be a guy who comes in on third down. I think I can still make a difference.”
