The NFL announced Saturday evening that former Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and ex-safety John Lynch have been voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as members of the 2021 class.
After the news broke, Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis released the following statement on Manning and Lynch reaching Canton:
This is a special day for the Denver Broncos and our fans as we celebrate the selection of two former players—Peyton Manning and John Lynch—to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. We’re grateful that Peyton and John chose to spend the final four years of their careers right here in Denver, where they both made a profound impact on the Broncos and our community.
The combination of Peyton’s deep love of the game, intense work-ethic and relentless preparation will never be matched. From his teammates to the coaches to the staff, Peyton raised the standard with the Broncos. His leadership made everyone better and we have great respect for him throughout our entire organization. All that Peyton was able to accomplish with the Broncos—the countless wins, his MVP award and our Super Bowl 50 run—would not have been possible without his remarkable perseverance and mental toughness in overcoming injury. His first-ballot selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame is the ultimate honor for such an incredible player and person who’s meant so much to this game.
Being a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the last eight years, John has waited a long time for this moment. He was so much more than a four-time Pro Bowler with the Broncos, bringing tremendous leadership and presence to our team while solidifying his place among the greatest safeties in NFL history. Even after his decorated career with the Bucs, John still had such a desire to be the best. What we accomplished in 2005—going 13-3 and hosting the AFC Championship Game—would not have been possible without one of the best seasons of John’s career. We congratulate him on his long-awaited election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Manning and Lynch both played the final four years of their careers in Denver. Manning won two Super Bowls during his career — one with the Indianapolis Colts and one with the Broncos — and Lynch won a title early in his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Manning and Lynch will now be teammates in the Hall of Fame.
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