Tampa, FL -- (Sports Network) - Pro Bowl safety John Lynch announced his retirement at a news conference Monday afternoon.

Lynch was selected to nine Pro Bowls at the safety position during his 15-year career with Tampa Bay and Denver. That's the second-most at the position in league history, trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famer Ken Houston (10).

"Although I made sure to recognize both organizations, there's a reason I'm back here," Lynch said on his reasons for making the announcement in Florida. "I'm proud to be a part of this organization and proud of the way I played."

A third-round draft pick by the Buccaneers in 1993, Lynch was a key member of Tampa Bay's defense, helping the 2002 team to a Super Bowl championship. He earned a reputation as one of the league's hardest-hitting safeties during his tenure with the Bucs and was a centerpiece of Tampa's "Cover Two" defensive scheme.

After playing his first 11 NFL seasons with the Bucs, Lynch joined the Broncos in 2004. He played the last four seasons with Denver, earning Pro Bowl berths each year.

Earlier this year, however, the Broncos parted ways with the 37-year-old Lynch because he was in line to see a reduction in playing time due to the emergence of Marlon McCree.

"I knew in my heart I was done," Lynch admitted. "I wanted to keep going out there just in case my options changed. When I made my decision, I wanted it to be final, and it is."

The Stanford product signed with New England in August but was released before the start of the regular season. He will retire with 26 interceptions, 13 sacks and 1,277 tackles in 224 regular season games.

"I always went out there with the same passion and belief," he added. "I don't know what the future holds, but I will go forward in the same way I did on the field."

Lynch also revealed that his first post-retirement assignment will be for FOX Sports this Sunday.