The nine-time Pro Bowl safety retired Monday, saying it was time to begin a new phase of life after 11 seasons with Tampa Bay and four more with Denver.

He felt so strongly about the relationships he built with both clubs that he decided against stepping down in the colors of either team.

Nevertheless, returning to Tampa for the announcement spoke volumes. "I played 11 years here. We won a Super Bowl," said Lynch, a third-round pick by the Bucs in 1993.

Now, he's preparing for his broadcasting debut with Fox on Sunday for the Jaguars-Vikings telecast.

"I'm looking forward to being a rookie all over again," Lynch said.

Clearing the cobwebs: Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck apologized to the Cardinals for saying they should be fined for hard hits.

About an hour after Seattle's 26-20 loss, Hasselbeck looked punch-drunk and spoke in slow, almost groggy tones to the media.

He said then: "I guess the only thing that makes me feel good is knowing there will be some fines coming out in a couple days."

On Monday, Hasselbeck said he probably shouldn't have been allowed to meet with reporters for another couple of hours after the game.

"I probably owe them an apology," he said. "I think they played within the rules, and with class In fact, I hope nobody gets fined."

Extra points: Earnest Graham injured his right ankle on his only carry in Sunday's 19-13 win over the Vikings, and Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden said the running back's season "could be in jeopardy." ... Giants running back Brandon Jacobs was having a precautionary MRI on his knee, although coach Tom Coughlin said he didn't think it was serious injury. Asked which knee it was, Coughlin replied: "If you don't know, I'm not telling you."

Compiled by Ed Cavanaugh from Tribune news services.

For Monday's late result, go to chicagotribune.com/sports