Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch has not been one to speak to the public, so it was no surprise that it took a while for "Beast Mode" to officially make his announcement. After rumors flying around Super Bowl Sunday that he was informing those close of his plans to retire, Lynch tweeted out a picture of hanging cleats Sunday night to confirm the news.
He had shared the news with friends and family, as well as some people in the Seahawks' organization, but his teammates were reportedly trying to change his mind throughout the day. An injury-riddled year led to this decision for the 29-year-old, as he dealt with hamstring and abdominal issues all last season.
Lynch missed the final seven regular-season games, as well as the NFC Wild Card Playoff game following abdominal surgery, then went on to rush for just 20 yards on six carries in the divisional round.
The five-time Pro Bowler was limited to 111 carries and 417 yards all last season, and would've cost the team $11.5 million if he returned. It was reported by Seattle that Lynch was "leaning toward retirement" in January.
He began his Seahawks' career in 2011, and since then, leads the league with 51 rushing touchdowns and ranks in the top three in carries, rushing yards, and rushing first downs. Lynch now joins the likes of Calvin Johnson, Charles Woodson, and Justin Tuck to call it quits this off-season, with more retirements likely on the way.
He had shared the news with friends and family, as well as some people in the Seahawks' organization, but his teammates were reportedly trying to change his mind throughout the day. An injury-riddled year led to this decision for the 29-year-old, as he dealt with hamstring and abdominal issues all last season.
Lynch missed the final seven regular-season games, as well as the NFC Wild Card Playoff game following abdominal surgery, then went on to rush for just 20 yards on six carries in the divisional round.
The five-time Pro Bowler was limited to 111 carries and 417 yards all last season, and would've cost the team $11.5 million if he returned. It was reported by Seattle that Lynch was "leaning toward retirement" in January.
He began his Seahawks' career in 2011, and since then, leads the league with 51 rushing touchdowns and ranks in the top three in carries, rushing yards, and rushing first downs. Lynch now joins the likes of Calvin Johnson, Charles Woodson, and Justin Tuck to call it quits this off-season, with more retirements likely on the way.
