It seems a matter of when, not if, Ring of Fame safety John Lynch joins the game’s immortals in Canton, Ohio, at some point. A five-time finalist for selection, Lynch has also made the final cut to 10 players in the selection room in recent years. His misses have been narrow.
Nevertheless, the wait remains frustrating, just as it was for Terrell Davis, who was eligible for 10 years before he was inducted last year.

“John’s one of the best, one of the all-time greats. He could play deep, could play the run. He was a big-time thumper. … He set the standard to do things the way the game is supposed to be played at safety.” – Safety Eric Weddle

“[He’s] a guy that was phenomenal at the job and opened the doors for us safeties. He made great plays and inspired us to be the safeties that we are today. … Yes, he belongs in [the Pro Football Hall of Fame]. He rightfully earned that position and he did everything. It’s hard for a safety to get in there; it’s very hard for us. And for him doing what he did, he’s definitely deserved the right.” – Safety Landon Collins

“Of course, [he belongs in Canton]. It’s his time. He’s waited, he’s been patient and he was a heck of a player. I loved to watch him play.” – Safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix