Marshawn Lynch Has Nothing Left To Prove in NFL
By Erik Lambert
Feb 2, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) runs in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Beast Mode wants more money. Well after what he’s accomplished with the Seattle Seahawks, it’s only natural Marshawn Lynch feels that way.
Running style and ring make it hard for Lynch to warrant continuing
Winning the Super Bowl is the ultimate for any player. Normally the first goal is making the millions and then the second is getting the ring, which is always harder. Thankfully for Marshawn Lynch, he’s accomplished both. No player was more critical to the success of the Seattle Seahawks in their run to the championship than him. In total Lynch accounted for 1,560 yards and 14 touchdowns. No other Seahawks player even came close. Much of that success is due to the relentless and punishing style he runs with, making it difficult for defenders to get him on the ground. While it has led the Seahawks offense to new heights, inevitably it has also taken a toll on Lynch’s body. Though he’s only 28-years old, given the way he runs it’s likely he has wear and tear of a player typically over the age of 35. It’s very hard for a player to put forth that kind of effort. Chasing a championship is typically the big motivator. Now that Lynch has reached that summit, what is left for him to conquer?
Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman deals handcuff Seattle Seahawks
This situation may explain why the Pro Bowl running back has chosen to sit out team minicamps. A running rumor is he wants more money and is contemplating retirement if he doesn’t get it. One can understand Lynch’s position. He is still the focal point of the offense and is coming off a championship year. Demanding more money is within his right. Unfortunately the Seahawks are in no position to give it to him. Marshawn Lynch is already one of the top five highest paid runners in the game, but beyond that it’s becoming a salary cap issue for Seattle. They already had to hand hefty paydays to star defenders Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman to keep their defense intact. Never mind the fact that the rookie deal for quarterback Russell Wilson is almost up as well. There simply isn’t enough money available to assuage the Beast, not without hurting the overall flexibility of the team.
Marshawn Lynch deserves more money. That is how much he’s meant to the Seattle Seahawks. Does he need it? Probably not, but the Seahawks have to think about the long-term, something that often doesn’t involve older running backs. So if the money doesn’t come, Lynch may choose to retire. Not that he owes anybody anything anyway.