and starts. The Buccaneers finished atop the NFC South with a 12–4 record and earned a first-round bye. The Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31–6 in the NFC Divisional Round. On January 19, 2003, Lynch recorded six solo tackles and broke up a pass during a 27–10 road victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. On January 26, 2003, Lynch started in Super Bowl XXXVII and made a tackle and pass deflection during the 48–21 victory against the Oakland Raiders. 2003 season Head coach Jon Gruden named Lynch the starting strong safety to begin the regular season, alongside free safety Dwight Smith. During Week 2, Lynch collected a season-high 11 combined tackles (seven solo) during a 12–9 loss to the Carolina Panthers. He was inactive for two games (Weeks 8–9) due to a shoulder injury. Lynch finished the season with 72 combined tackles (50 solo), six pass deflections, two interceptions, and was credited with half a sack in 14 games and starts. On March 12, 2004, the Buccaneers released Lynch in a salary cap-related maneuver. He offered to take a significant pay cut to remain with the team, but the offer was rebuffed. Denver Broncos On March 22, 2004, the Denver Broncos signed Lynch to a three-year, $9 million contract as an unrestricted free agent. He signed a free agent contract with the Broncos despite being courted by the two-time defending Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots. Lynch also received an offer from the New York Jets, but opted not to reunite with head coach Herm Edwards who has previously been his defensive backs coach with the Buccaneers. In the 2005 season, Lynch nearly made his second Super Bowl after the Broncos defeated the Patriots in the Divisional Round, but they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game. Lynch served as the Broncos' defensive captain in 2006 and 2007. On July 31, 2008, he was granted his release by the Broncos. Lynch said in a news conference that his lack of playing time heading into this season was a reason for his departure. New England Patriots Lynch visited with the New England Patriots on August 13, 2008, then agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million. However, on September 1, 2008, he was released. Retirement On November 17, 2008, Lynch announced his retirement from football. NFL career statistics Regular season Postseason Broadcasting career