Only one player in NFL history has been to more Pro Bowls as a safety than John Lynch.

Four of those nine trips to Hawaii came with the Broncos. If there is to be a tenth trip for him to the 50th state or for that matter, even another game in his future, it won't be as a representative of the orange and blue.

The reality of that is sad because in this area, the hard hitting safety is as well known for his bone crushing collisions on the field, as he is for community service off of the field. His John Lynch "Star Of The Month Program", an event recognizing the achievements of local students, was an ambitious endeavor. I had the privilege to attend one of his monthly Award ceremonies at the Broncos headquarters at Dove Valley, as well as his "Stars Of The Year" program at Invesco Field At Mile High.. Kids from all over were recognized for their hard work in the classroom. What made the event really stand out was this: Three of the most high profile Broncos, Jake Plummer, Rod Smith, and Lynch were in attendance---that said, the stars of the luncheon were not the star athletes but instead the star students. The most amazing aspect of these efforts by Lynch, his wife, Linda, and staff was that they never seem orchestrated or in any way contrived. To me, Lynch cared about these kids, even when the cameras weren't rolling.

With all of these accomplishments, it's not pleasant to think that while his star in the community continued to shine bright, on the field, it was beginning its twilight----not to
mention what some might think is the twilight of his career. The signs may have been there. Lynch signed with Denver on February 29 after a long talk with owner Pat Bowlen. Lynch had said prior to that he was so close to leaving, he had a statement on departing the Broncos set to go. He was apparently swayed to remain by Bowlen. However, how Shanahan swayed him to take a big paycut and make the nine time Pro Bowler to earn a starting spot may still be a mystery.

If you do not come in as the starter, it goes without saying your repititions will most likely be rather limited in training camp, meaning less of a chance to prove yourself. Lynch had played little since the squad reported last Friday. He missed a Tuesday night meeting and was excused from practice on Wednesday.

Lynch is going to, we hear, speak to the press today and maybe sort out some of the ambiguity in his release. Was he really forced by Shanahan to go? Unlikely and even if so, even more unlikely that Lynch would ever admit that much. He is just too classy and would always choose to take the high road. Did he willingly ask to be released so he could pursue other opportunities? If so, could he have gotten this frustrated this early? Did Shanahan essentially tell him to look elsewhere, a sure sign that his days were numbered?

These are all legitimate questions. I have two more. First, will Lynch consider his hometown San Diego Chargers? If so, could we see him twice this season but this time on the other sideline. In a twist, it was former San Diego safety Marlon McCree that has outplayed Lynch so far in camp, possibly paving a way for John to return to San Diego. Also, how serious is he about retiring?

To me, I just got the feeling the parting was mutual. Even with a pay cut, Shanahan could not justify paying Lynch this much to step on the field sparingly. Lynch wants to play and going into his 16th season, most likely wants to go to a Super Bowl contender. As much as it hurts to say this, in 1997 and 1998, this was the place to be. In 2007 and 2008, not so much.

The botton line is really this.

Al Wilson. Gone.

Rod Smith. Gone.

Lynch......he is gone, leaving leadership to be found where exactly these days in Denver?

Good question. Fortunately for Lynch, that is not his problem any longer.

Thank you for all of the memories, John. Take care.

Hope to see you all on Friday.