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Salina Today
By the People, for the People
Former Top NFL Draft Pick's Comeback Dream Ends With Devastating Injury
Paxton Lynch's latest attempt to return to the NFL was derailed by a torn LCL while playing in the National Arena League.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:43pm
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A cubist interpretation of a devastating injury ending a former NFL player's comeback attempt.Salina TodayPaxton Lynch, a former first-round draft pick of the Denver Broncos in 2016, has suffered another major injury setback in his quest to make an NFL comeback. While playing for the Colorado Spartans in the National Arena League, Lynch tore his LCL after taking a big hit from a defender in Salina, Kansas, ending his season and potentially his professional football career.
Why it matters
Lynch was once considered a promising young quarterback, but his NFL career was short-lived as he struggled to find consistent playing time and success. This latest injury is a devastating blow to his hopes of reviving his football dreams and could mark the end of the line for the 32-year-old's playing days.
The details
In two seasons with the Broncos, Lynch played in just five games before being released. He later had brief stints with the Seahawks and Steelers but never made a regular season roster. After his NFL opportunities dried up, Lynch joined the XFL, USFL, and CFL in attempts to get back on the field. His most recent comeback effort with the Colorado Spartans in the National Arena League was cut short when he suffered a torn LCL after taking a big hit from a defender while dropping back to pass in Salina, Kansas.
- On April 14, 2026, Paxton Lynch suffered a torn LCL injury while playing for the Colorado Spartans in Salina, Kansas.
- Lynch was a first-round draft pick of the Denver Broncos in 2016.
The players
Paxton Lynch
A 32-year-old former first-round draft pick of the Denver Broncos in 2016 who has been attempting to revive his professional football career in various leagues after a short-lived NFL stint.
Denver Broncos
The NFL team that drafted Paxton Lynch in the first round in 2016.
What they’re saying
“I was pissed off. And it sucks. I didn't want it to be like this.”
— Paxton Lynch, Former NFL Player
“I'm gonna play 'till I'm 45. Like I'm Tom Brady.”
— Paxton Lynch, Former NFL Player
What’s next
Lynch hopes to still attend games for his Colorado Spartans teammates as he prepares for the next phase of his life after this latest injury setback.
The takeaway
Paxton Lynch's NFL career never fully materialized despite being a first-round draft pick, and this latest devastating injury likely marks the end of his professional football dreams. His story serves as a reminder of the fragility and unpredictability of athletic careers, even for those with high expectations and potential.
