John Lynch’s Jersey Is Safe
March 12th, 2015
New Bucs safety Chris Conte
New Bucs safety Chris Conte was very emphatic today at One Buc Palace when Joe asked Conte about wearing John Lynch’s No. 47 during his four seasons with the Bears.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be changing that,” Conte said.
“I’ll move my number. It’s time for a fresh start. I’m looking forward to a fresh start. And that’s exactly what this is for me. So 47 will not be worn by me in Tampa Bay.”
Was [Lynch] an influence growing up, Conte was asked.
“Besides the obvious similarities, he’s a hell of a player. That’s exactly what he is. I don’t think we’re similar players, the style of player that he is. I’m more of a middle field player. He’s an awesome player, Hall of Famer. I mean you can’t say enough about that guy. I want to create my own identity here, do my own thing.
“I don’t need to live in that shadow.”
As the Bucs have done, apparently, with Mike Alstott’s No. 40, they seem to be doing the same thing with Lynch’s No. 47. And last year, Ronde Barber made it clear Alterraun Verner would not be grabbing the No. 20 shirt.
Some things should be sacred. And they are.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:55 pm
He isn’t in the Hall…… Yet.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:56 pm
Don’t worry Conte. That decision was made long before they ever signed you. If you didn’t switch your number they would have done it for you.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:59 pm
Good cause he would probably tarnish #47 forever. Give him Sabby’s number, makes sense.
March 12th, 2015 at 1:00 pm
he definitely resembles sabby the goat more than Lynch.
March 12th, 2015 at 1:03 pm
Bruce Carter will have to give up 54…..word is that Josh Allen wouldn’t give up # 61 for the “Wiz” so…..he left town without a contract.
March 12th, 2015 at 1:04 pm
Thats nice. Hopefully soon they will put Lynch in the ring of honor. Since Rhonde Barber will make the Hall of Fame and Lynch will not.
March 12th, 2015 at 1:15 pm
What was Cody Grimm not available? In related news woody harrelson will be competing against usain bolt in the 100y dash.
March 12th, 2015 at 1:43 pm
63 99 55 47 20 and even 97 are all sacred numbers in Tampa. 🙂
March 12th, 2015 at 1:47 pm
@TBBF
LMAO with this franchise anything is possible
March 12th, 2015 at 1:53 pm
Realist…you know people don’t like you throwing that “h” in there.
Someone’s going to call you on it.
There are a few important numbers that if I just called off a number to any average Buc fan…they would know the player that wore that number.
March 12th, 2015 at 1:58 pm
LargoBuc – Don’t forget 56. That should be an eventual Ring of Honor inductee
March 12th, 2015 at 2:02 pm
LargoBuc…I feel the same way about #40…don’t forget the A-train.
March 12th, 2015 at 2:13 pm
Wouldn’t it be great to win so much that we ran out of numbers?
“Now playing Defensive End, #194…..”
March 12th, 2015 at 2:18 pm
This kid is awful. Terrible terrible signing. A complete waste of a roster spot.
March 12th, 2015 at 2:29 pm
I say give the kid a chance. In 2012 he and Major Wright were the starting safeties on a defense that ranked 5th overall, not to shabby. Not saying he’s great but can get the job done. The last two years under Mel Tucker the bears defense was hideous, everybody running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Either Tucker is a horrible coordinator or the bears didn’t buy into what he was selling. Word is they didn’t buy in, Briggs bitched all year about Tucker, and the rest of the D followed Briggs. Nobody looked on that D last year.
March 12th, 2015 at 3:51 pm
A number is just a number. Why can’t any player choose any unused number? Sacred? That’s pretty far out. It does’nt diminish a player’s achievements or memory, regardless of how the new number wearer plays.
March 12th, 2015 at 4:01 pm
Marques….I’ll bet he’s better in coverage that Hawk and Barron ever were, so if that’s a waste of a roster spot who would you have plugged in there?
John McKillop makes the same point I and others have TRIED to make yesterday. In 2012 under Lovie playing with Wright they did pretty darn good. Any reason to think they won’t be above average assuming they find a way to generate a pass rush?
I’m listening, if there is something I’m missing please fill me in. There were NO bright spots on the bears defense the last two seasons. Not even in 2013 the year after love left that 5th ranked defense behind the coaching ruined that defense. So why in the hell would anyone make they’re judgment on this guy based on the last two season???
Seriously, not being a smart ass here, please fill me in I’d like to know. Again, who else would you have plugged in otherwise??? Hawk and Barron were both HORRIBLE in coverage…
March 12th, 2015 at 6:54 pm
What difference does his number choice make? As long as he does his job and the Bucs D plays better . There are only 98 to choose from, they can’t retire them all, besides Lynch, Brooks, Barber and all the Great Bucs will never be forgotten.
March 12th, 2015 at 7:09 pm
Proof read your stuff before you post
March 12th, 2015 at 10:35 pm
Not the Kevin, don’t hold your breath waiting for a response, people who post negative childish sounding posts don’t base them on any facts, they just blurt something negative out because they wallow in negativity.
I don’t know how good Conti can be, but I do know he is better than the guy they are looking to trade now.
March 13th, 2015 at 12:29 am
By far the worst signing possible by the bucs new gm and i am including the ones from last year as well. Who i believe are not even on the team anymore ALL players except for for the center i believe. This guy will only see the field cause of his contract wright and mcdougald wont let him see the field so enjoy your free money conte you wont be on the team by this time next year. I know chicago fans are still celebrating your departure.
I really dont understand this if we are going after Lovies old players which is not a bad idea at all why are we not going after starters. Chicago only had one good player available in free agency in my opinion. That players name was stephen paea Washington was all over that guy as soon as free agency started very smart going to a 4-3 defense this year and also just signed knighton that d-line gonna cause havoc finally we will see kerrigan hand in the ground fulltime. Need to save yourself licht and lovie also sign hardy, wisniewski, and trade for another de maybe like hali it doesnt hurt to dream.