Marshawn Lynch Brings ‘Beast Mode’ Back To Seahawks, Signs Contract Extension
Beast mode is back. The Seattle Seahawks star running back is staving off retirement and has re-upped with the defending NFC champions with a new two-year extension.
ESPN‘s Adam Schefter first reported the news via Twitter on Friday night.
Spotted on plane on way to SEA, Marshawn Lynch has decided to return to NFL; he and Seattle have reached agreement on new deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2015
The Seattle Seahawks then swiftly joined in with a tweet of their own.
More 24! @MoneyLynch is back for his 9th @NFL season. No word yet on media availability. #BeastIsBack #ThankYou https://t.co/sV9NAXbp5s
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) March 7, 2015
According to ESPN.com, the deal includes “an additional $24 million for the 2016 and 2017 seasons should Lynch, 28, continue his career into his 30s.”
And while the majority of fans are ecstatic with the news, not everyone is eager to have Lynch rejoin the team. Hall of famer Warren Moon appeared on 950 KJR in Seattle to discuss the downside to re-signing Marshawn Lynch according to Sports Illustrated.
“He has been difficult in the past. That’s been documented. They’ve had their problems with Marshawn as far as how to manage him because he’s a little different than everybody else.”
But overall, Moon echoed the prevailing opinion across the NFL when it comes to bringing Beast Mode back on board. “I want him back. He’s a very productive player,” Moon said on Monday. “If you get to know him, he’s a really nice guy to be around, but he does have his issues with management, he’s had his issues with the media in the past and those things will continue to happen as long as the Seahawks have no problem with it, they’re going to put up with some of those things they have to deal with.”
Before news broke of the Lynch extension, there was a rumor circulating that Marshawn was contemplating retirement following the crushing defeat in this year’s Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots. Many speculated it had to do with his disdain for the media that was amplified during Media Week leading up to the big game.
As reported by Inquisitr, Lynch spent the majority of his designated interview time answering questions with the same generic statements of “You know why I’m here,” and “I’m only doing this so I don’t get fined” response. Marshawn has since applied for an “I won’t get fined” trademark according to CNN.
[Photo credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images]
