Career
He served as the general manager of the National Football League"s from 1975 to 1990. Prior to a career in sports, Lynn managed movie theaters in, Tennessee. From 1966 to 1974 he was President of Mid South Sports, Incorporated., a group that sought to acquire a National Football League franchise for Lynn also served as President of the Pros of the American Basketball Association in 1972.
In 1974, Lynn was hired by the as an assistant to the owner.
He was named general manager in 1975 by then Vikings owner Max Winter following the departure of General Motors Jim Finks. Lynn led the Vikings to one Super Bowl and four Division Championship in his first four years with the team
In 1989, thinking that the Vikings were a big-time running back away from being a great team, he dealt what eventually turned into 5 players and 8 draft picks to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for running back Herschel Walker. The three 1st round and three 2nd round picks eventually netted the Cowboys Emmitt Smith, Darren Woodson, and Russell Maryland and three Super Bowl rings.
On the Vikings" side, Walker gained 148 yards rushing on 18 carries in his first game, but averaged less than 81 yards a game for the other 26 games.
In 1990, Lynn was named president of the World League of American Football. He resigned as Vikings general manager, but retained his position as executive vice president Lynn resigned as president on August 3, 1991 after less than one year on the job.
Two months later his 10% stake in the team was purchased by the club"s nine other partners.