For the sixth straight year, former Bucs safety John Lynch has been announced as a finalist for the 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame. Lynch has been on the ballot since 2013, where he was a semifinalist, and has made the final group of 15 every year since.

His former Bucs teammate Ronde Barber did not make it past the semifinal round for a second consecutive year.

Lynch played for the Bucs from 1993-2003 and accumulated 787 tackles, 23 interceptions, and seven forced fumbles during his time in Tampa Bay. He made five pro bowls, earned two first team all-pro honors, and was inducted into the Bucs Ring of Honor in 2016.

He then played another four seasons from 2004-2007 as a member of the Denver Broncos, in which he made another four pro bowls. He also was inducted into the Broncos Ring Of Honor in 2016.

He currently is in his second year as the general manager of the San Francisco 49ers.

Best known as a hard hitting free safety in his career, Lynch was an integral part of the Bucs vaunted defense that led them to a Super Bowl XXXVII victory.

Lynch will face some tough competition this year, as first timers on the ballot include fellow defensive backs Champ Bailey and Ed Reed. The 2019 Hall of Fame Class inductees will be announced on February 2nd, the day before the Super Bowl.