49ers’ general manager John Lynch is a decorated member of the NFL.
His playing career spans over 15 seasons, and its highlights include a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers in 2002 and nine Pro-Bowl appearances. But for Lynch, one of the most cherished moments of his career came at the hands of another football legend: Barry Sanders.
Lynch joined the 49ers Studio Podcast on Wednesday where he reminisced on his glory days of the past and recalled his “wakeup call” of sorts after he first tried to guard Sanders.
“Early in my career, facing Barry Sanders, we were in the same division,” Lynch said, “You’d face them a couple times a year. That could break your will. I was always the free hitter, which is a great thing unless you’re facing Barry Sanders, because you’re responsible for tackling him. We had great battles.”
“I think one of the greatest honors I’ve had in this league is sitting back during my career, I was going through my mail, and I saw something from Barry Sanders and the Detroit Lions,” Lynch added. “He invited me to his Hall of Fame speech as part of his entourage, his group that you’re only allowed so many tickets. He wrote me a handwritten note that said, ‘I always appreciated the way you played. I thought you competed at the highest level. I’d like for you to be there.’
“I’ll never forget that. A guy like that –I always thought he got the best of me, and maybe he didn’t think much of me. For a guy like that to reach out, those are the coolest honors that you have in this league. I still have that letter.”