He's still a big hit in Tampa
Lynch receives a warm welcome
TAMPA - John Lynch may have been decked out in Patriots colors last night but for many of the red-clad 63,365 fans at Raymond James Stadium, the sight of Lynch's No. 47 brought back fond memories of the Buccaneers glory years, of which Lynch was a key cog.
"I think he will always be No. 47 in red," said Lynch's former teammate and current Tampa Bay cornerback Ronde Barber.
The new Patriots safety understood. He too had mixed feelings.
"It's always nice to come back here," Lynch said. "The people treated us wonderfully. It seems like a long time ago now."
It was a night full of emotions for the 36-year old former Stanford quarterback turned defensive back (he switched positions at the behest of college coach Bill Walsh), who has only practiced with New England once.
Lynch made his Patriots debut on the same turf on which he became an All-Pro safety for Tampa Bay, developing into a fixture for the Buccaneers on a defense that became one of the NFL's most feared.
In fact, early in the 27-10 Tampa Bay win, Buccaneers quarterback Brian Griese connected with Ike Hilliard on an 8-yard pass to the New England 25.
The crowd politely applauded the play but when the public address announcer belted out Lynch's name as being involved in the tackle, a loud roar erupted.
It seemed like old times for the Tampa Bay fans.
"It's nice to get a warm welcome when you come home," Lynch said.
Lynch, now in his 16th season, last played for Tampa Bay in 2003. He was released following that season after 11 years with the Buccaneers, highlighted by the franchise's lone Super Bowl win Jan. 26, 2003.
Lynch recorded 23 interceptions for Tampa Bay after the Buccaneers drafted him in the third round (82d overall) in 1993. Lynch chose the Buccaneers over baseball - he was a pitcher in the Florida Marlins organization at the time.
To this day Lynch's No. 47 Buccaneers jersey is a common sight at Raymond James Stadium.
"[Tampa Bay] was obviously a huge part of my career," Lynch said. "I grew up here as a football player. I won a Super Bowl. We're real proud what we did for this organization."
Despite his popularity among the Buccaneers fans, who adored his blue collar style of play and punishing hits, Lynch left Tampa Bay under less than idyllic terms.
Lynch wanted to stay with the Buccaneers and offered to play for the league minimum, so he claimed. General manager Bruce Allen declined Lynch's request which resulted in a public rebuke by the All-Pro.
Lynch groused that Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden never called him to either wish the safety goodbye or explain his release which he considered a personal affront. Gruden said he attempted to call Lynch in the days after his departure but could not reach him.
Time has not healed wounds. At a recent retirement party for Tampa Bay fullback Mike Alstott, ESPN.com reported there was more than a touch of tension between Lynch and Gruden.
When asked if he had made amends with Allen and Gruden, Lynch winced but stated he had.
"You move on but to answer your question, yes," he said.
Barber noted that it still seemed strange to see Lynch in another team's uniform.
"He's still loved here," Barber said. 