Marshawn Lynch

Former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch helped hand out 200 free turkeys Monday ahead of Thanksgiving on the island of O'ahu in Hawaii.

Rob DeMello of KHON2 News tweeted footage:

5X Pro Bowler, #Hawaii resident Marshawn Lynch & his @fam1stfam teamed up w/ @youngsfishmkt, Tamura Super Market, @BFL_Hawaii, @ChadOwens2 & others to pass out 200 free turkeys on O’ahu #AlohaSpirit #HappyThanksgiving @MoneyLynch // https://t.co/9oZimTtTXJ 🤙🏽 pic.twitter.com/zj6vdzJ0uK

— Rob DeMello (@RobDeMelloKHON) November 24, 2020

The 34-year-old Lynch, a native of Oakland, California, now lives in Hawaii for part of the year.

He is perhaps best known for his "Beast Mode" nickname, memorable runs on the field and unique personality, but he has long been a charitable person as well.

In 2011, Lynch co-founded the Fam 1st Family Foundation, which provides leadership to children, particularly in the Oakland area.

While Lynch has not technically retired from football since making his return to the Seattle Seahawks late last season out of necessity amid a rash of injuries, he has nothing left to prove as an NFL player.

During his 12-year career with the Buffalo Bills, Seahawks and Oakland Raiders, he was a five-time Pro Bowler, one-time first-team All-Pro and one-time Super Bowl champion.

He has rushed for 10,413 yards and 85 touchdowns during the regular season to go along with 287 receptions for 2,214 yards and nine additional scores. Lynch also excelled in the playoffs with 970 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground in 13 career postseason games.

Lynch may receive heavy Hall of Fame consideration in the coming years, but despite his star power, he is still helping those around him and bringing them a bit of holiday joy.

Marshawn Lynch is returning to the sports world as a commentator for Karate Combat League.

The former NFL superstar told TMZ Sports he will be working alongside UFC Hall of Famer Bas Rutten when the show returns for season two on Sept. 27. 

"I'll be kickin' it with Bas watching guys get knocked out, doing all types of crazy moves in wild ass Indiana Jones type settings," Lynch said. "It's hella dope."

TMZ did note Lynch will only be calling the first three episodes. The season will air over 12 weeks. 

Per PRNewsWire.com, Karate Combat features more than 100 of the top Karate fighters from around the world competing in an "innovative, modern, sports experience, optimized for digital and mobile consumption to showcase fast-paced Karate competitions."

Karate Combat League began in 2018 with a series of events that took place from various locations, including Miami Beach, Florida and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 

After teasing retirement following the 2018 season, Lynch returned to the NFL when he signed with the Seattle Seahawks prior to their Week 17 game against the San Francisco 49ers in 2019. The five-time Pro Bowler also played in both of Seattle's playoff games, scoring three touchdowns on 18 carries. 

Marshawn Lynch is expanding his apparel business after signing a partnership deal with Fanatics.  

On Wednesday, the five-time Pro Bowl running back and the world's largest officially licensed sports merchandise retailer announced a multiyear agreement to sell BEAST MODE apparel. 

This marks the first time Fanatics will work with a branded e-commerce business for an athlete, celebrity or influencer. 

"Being the first athlete to have this deal with Fanatics is dope," Lynch said of the deal. "I'm hella honored to be part of their family. They're the best in the biz when it comes to online shopping in this category, and this partnership gives fans around the world the ability to proudly rep the BEAST MODE brand and gear."

Jack Boyle, Fanatics co-president, direct-to-consumer added: "This first of its kind partnership with Marshawn is extremely exciting to all of us at Fanatics, and we can't wait to extend our world-class e-commerce and mobile expertise to further elevate and grow the global BEAST MODE brand and its passionate fan base."

Fans familiar with BEAST MODE gear can still find Lynch's official merchandise at BeastModeOnline.com, which includes enhanced online and mobile platforms.

In addition to his partnership with Fanatics, Lynch will donate a portion of Beast Mode merchandise sales to his Fam1st Family Education organization. The non-profit foundation is dedicating to promoting education and building self-esteem for underprivileged youth throughout the United States. 

Lynch originally started selling his trademark gear in January 2015 when he was a member of the Seattle Seahawks.

Per Darren Heitner of Forbes, Lynch sold nearly $200,000 worth of merchandise at pop-up shops in just three days leading up to Super Bowl XLIX against the New England Patriots. 

When Lynch signed with the Seahawks before the final game of the 2019 regular season, Beast Mode sales spiked in anticipation of his return to the franchise where he became a superstar. 

Lynch is currently a free agent and has given no indication if he wants to play in the upcoming season. The 2012 All-Pro has played for the Seahawks, Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders during his 12-year NFL career. He won Super Bowl XLVIII with Seattle. 

The Seattle Seahawks are reportedly looking for veteran help at the running back position, and that could mean Carlos Hyde. 

Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times reported contract discussions with former Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman "have hit a standstill," which means Hyde could be "a more realistic option."

Condotta pointed out the team "doesn't want to break the bank" to add the veteran running back they are looking for this offseason.

This comes after Brady Henderson and Vaughn McClure of ESPN noted the Seahawks made a one-year offer for Freeman and had talked with Hyde. They also provided background on why Seattle wants veteran running back help, noting both Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny are coming off season-ending injuries.

General manager John Schneider is not sure Penny will be back by Week 1 either, leaving additional uncertainty.

What's more, the other running backs on the roster are not exactly proven commodities with second-year Travis Homer and rookies DeeJay Dallas, Anthony Jones and Patrick Carr. Jones and Carr were not even drafted.

It wasn't long ago Freeman was considered one of the better overall running backs in the league. He was a Pro Bowler in 2015 and 2016 behind more than 1,000 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns in each of those two seasons. He also tallied a combined 1,040 receiving yards during that span.

However, he has dropped off since and played just two games in 2018 and tallied a career-worst 3.6 yards per carry last year.

On the other hand, Hyde is coming off an impressive season with the Houston Texans. The Ohio State product finished the 2019 campaign with 1,070 rushing yards, which was a career-best mark, and proved he can pick up difficult yardage in between the tackles on short-yardage situations.

Hyde also played with the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars earlier in his career.

He is someone who could play in spot duty for Carson and provide injury insurance for the team as a whole as an experienced veteran.

Veteran running back Marshawn Lynch told ESPN's Scott Van Pelt during Monday's SportsCenter that his agent had been in talks with the Seattle Seahawks regarding another potential stint with the team in 2020 (h/t Brady Henderson of ESPN).  

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider responded publicly on Wednesday, saying the team "would discuss it" during an appearance on 105.7 The Fan's Inside Access:

Asked about Marshawn Lynch, Schneider says "he knows we wouldn't say no to anything. That we would discuss it.'' But sounds like nothing imminent there. https://t.co/xC4tyDnQ4J pic.twitter.com/f7PiSW34II

— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) May 6, 2020

Lynch told Van Pelt that he was fine if a return to Seattle didn't work out:

"Well, it's almost on that 'expect the unexpected.' But just as far as right now, what I do know is, Imma keep it solid. My agent [Doug Hendrickson] has been in talks with Seattle, so like I said, we'll see what happens. If it works out and I get back up there, it is what it is. And if not, sh-t, I'm lookin' good. So I ain't really trippin' too much."

From NFL Now: Marshawn Lynch told @notthefakeSVP that his agent has had talks with the #Seahawks about a potential return. They have been interested in adding to the RB room... pic.twitter.com/d132IJcJjV

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 5, 2020

Lynch, 34, opened his career with the Buffalo Bills in 2007 before being traded to the Seahawks in 2010, where he remained until the 2015 season, winning a title with the team. He retired and spent the 2016 season away from football before returning with the Oakland Raiders, where he spent two seasons.

After retiring again, he returned to the Seahawks late in the 2019 season following a rash of injuries for the team at the running back position, appearing in one regular season game and two postseason contests. He rushed 30 times for 67 yards and four touchdowns in that short stint. 

Lynch has had an excellent career, rushing for 10,413 yards and 85 touchdowns. The five-time Pro Bowler and 2012 first-team All-Pro will make an interesting case for Hall of Fame voters at some point. For now, however, the question is whether he'll continue to play with Seattle. 

Marshawn Lynch's time with the Seattle Seahawks may not be over.

The 34-year-old running back appeared on SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt on Monday and said his agent has discussed a possible return to Seattle (h/t Brady Henderson of ESPN):

"Well, it's almost on that 'expect the unexpected.' But just as far as right now, what I do know is, Imma keep it solid. My agent [Doug Hendrickson] has been in talks with Seattle, so like I said, we'll see what happens. If it works out and I get back up there, it is what it is. And if not, s---, I'm lookin' good. So I ain't really trippin' too much."

Lynch famously played for Seattle from 2010 through 2015 and helped lead the NFC West team to a Super Bowl title, another Super Bowl appearance and five playoff berths in six years. He played for the Oakland Raiders in 2017 and 2018, although his final game in the 2018 season came in October.

It appeared as if he were done with his NFL career, but he unretired prior to Week 17 of the 2019 campaign and suited up for the Seahawks in their final regular-season game and two playoff contests.

In all, he ran for an uninspiring 67 yards on 30 carries in those games, although he found the end zone four times.

Henderson noted Seattle is looking for a veteran running back to provide depth behind Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny, especially since they are both coming off season-ending injuries. Their setbacks cleared the way for Lynch to join his old team last year, and Penny may not be ready for the start of the 2020 season because of knee surgery.

Lynch certainly meets the definition of a veteran with experience in Seattle's system.

He was a Pro Bowler four straight years for the Seahawks from 2011 through 2014, surpassing 1,200 rushing yards in each of those seasons. While Seattle wouldn't get that version of Beast Mode if he did sign with the team, it would add a veteran presence to the locker room and someone who can run between the tackles on critical third-down and goal-line situations.

Marshawn Lynch turned 34 years old on Wednesday, but the All-Pro running back apparently spent his last day as a 33-year-old giving back to the Oakland community. 

Lynch, who last played for the Seattle Seahawks, was spotted donating medical face masks at several locations on Tuesday:

Heres a few I took yesterday too ..Alameda food Bank and Alameda Point Collaborative..7500 masks between both spots .. those are great guys .. Jeremy and Marshawn . pic.twitter.com/7W0XMvIM36

— Aaron K. (@AaronK510) April 22, 2020

The Oakland native came out of retirement in 2017 to play for his hometown Raiders. He gained 1,267 yards and 10 touchdowns in 21 starts across two seasons in Oakland before retiring again in April 2019. However, he again ended his retirement to help the Seahawks in one regular-season game and two playoff games last season.

Lynch's NFL career began when the Buffalo Bills selected him 12th overall out of Cal in the 2007 draft. He played there until a 2010 trade sent him to Seattle, where he built his "Beast Mode" reputation through 2015.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lDDZGLBkFY

Overall, Lynch tallied 10,413 yards and 85 touchdowns on 1,469 rushing attempts. Through it all, he has maintained a strong presence in Oakland. 

Rob Gronkowski is apparently back. 

The New England Patriots reportedly agreed to trade Gronk and a seventh-round pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for a fourth-round selection.

"Pending the physical, Rob has agreed to play for Tampa this season. He will honor his current contract at this time," agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

To call Gronkowski's return a shock would be disingenuous. Gronk has been hinting since the moment he retired that he might be making a comeback. He even told Andy Cohen that he couldn't rule out a return as recently as Monday.

What Gronk's return does, however, do is join a shortlist of top athletes who have retired and come back to their respective sport. Here is a look at some of the biggest, not including Brett Favre, who didn't even miss a game during his "retirement," Roger Clemens, who retired and returned the next season repeatedly toward the end of his career.

   

Rob Gronkowski

Resume: Three-time Super Bowl champion, four-time All-Pro, five-time Pro Bowler

Retirement Length: one season

Let's start out with Gronk, who has a chance to return instantly to Pro Bowl form. Arguably the greatest tight end in NFL history, Gronk doesn't turn 31 until May 14 and still theoretically has years' worth of prime football remaining. He'll be reuniting with Tom Brady, the only quarterback he's ever known, and have wideouts Chris Godwin and Mike Evans to stretch the field.

That said, there is also plenty of reason to believe Gronk won't be the same player in his return. He was limited to 13 games during his final season in New England and at times looked like a shell of himself, with the years of wear and tear on his body finally taking their toll. His retirement didn't come from a lack of love for football; it came because his body was battered to the point he needed to walk away.

A year away from the sport apparently has him feeling renewed, but Gronkowski's history of concussions, back injuries and other ailments make this anything short of a slam dunk.

   

Michael Jordan

Resume, Retirement One: Three-time NBA champion, three-time MVP, nine-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA, six-time All-Defense

Resume, Retirement Two: six-time NBA champion, five-time MVP, 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defense

Retirement Length: 18 months (first retirement); three years (second retirement)

Jordan had a case of two very different returns from retirement.

His first came after an 18-month hiatus to play minor league baseball, and he came back without missing a step. The Bulls won the championship in each of his three remaining full seasons with the franchise, he added two MVPs and firmly etched his name as the greatest basketball player of all time.

His second, most of us would probably like to forget. While Jordan was still a fine player during his brief two-year stint with the Washington Wizards, he paled in comparison to the player he was in Chicago. The Wizards struggled to compete, Jordan feuded with young teammates, and the entire era ended in a whimper and an immediate divorce from the franchise.

Verdict: First retirement worth it; second very much not

Mario Lemieux

Resume: Two-time Stanley Cup champion, two-time Conn Smythe winner, eight-time All-Star

Retirement Length: Three years

Lemieux saved hockey in Pittsburgh. There's no other way to put it. His purchase of the Penguins and subsequent return to the ice brought back fan interest for a team that was riddled with debut and on the precipice of a move outside Western Pennsylvania. 

For that alone, Lemieux's debut was a rousing success. From an individual and team performance perspective, it was a little more hit or miss. Lemieux was a near-constant fixture on the injury list, missing at least 15 games in each of his five comeback seasons and only topping 50 games played once. The Penguins also failed to make the playoffs in four of his five seasons with the franchise.

That said, there's not a person in Pittsburgh who would change a thing about Lemieux's return.

Verdict: Worth it

   

Magic Johnson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN2jHVlQey4

Resume: Five-time champion, three-time MVP, 12-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA

Retirement Length: Four-plus years

Magic's return was a pivotal societal moment for what it signified regarding the stigma around HIV. His 1991 diagnosis ended one of the greatest careers in NBA history and is considered one of the seminal moments in sports history.

While Johnson was able to participate in the 1992 NBA All-Star Game and the Olympics, attitudes toward his participation varied. When Johnson attempted a comeback in 1992-93, he re-retired before ever playing a game because of the negative reaction from active players.

Attitudes had shifted enough by 1996 that Johnson made a second comeback attempt, albeit one that was not very successful on the court. He was noticeably heavier than at any point in his prime due to his new workout regimen, and he was a 36-year-old four seasons removed from competitive basketball. Magic flashed the occasional jaw-dropping dime, but he was a player whose best seasons were far behind him.

Verdict: Worth it societally, but not as much from a basketball perspective

       

Deion Sanders

Resume: Two-time Super Bowl champion, eight-time Pro Bowler, nine-time All-Pro

Retirement Length: Three years

When Deion Sanders retired after the 2000 season, he was considered perhaps the greatest cover corner in NFL history and the biggest cultural icon the NFL had during the 1990s. He had, in every sense of the word, accomplished everything anyone could've possibly wanted to on an NFL field.

His two-year return with the Baltimore Ravens did not do anything to enhance that legacy. Sanders, playing nickel cornerback and safety, understandably looked his age while getting only six starts in 25 games with the franchise. 

While Prime Time added five picks to his resume, neither he nor the Ravens accomplished what they set out to when he was coaxed out of retirement.

Verdict: Not worth it

   

Marshawn Lynch

Resume: Super Bowl champion, five-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro

Retirement Length: One season

As a human quote machine, the more Marshawn the better. Always. We will never complain about a Marshawn comeback because it means he'll spin more gold out of his mouth to make us all happy.

As a player, though, Lynch's post-retirement return to the Oakland Raiders was a bit of a bust. He clearly lacked explosion from a combination of his age, overall body toll and having taken a year off. Beast Mode lasted a total of 21 games in Oakland before stepping away again, only to return last season for a brief-yet-ineffective stint with the Seahawks.

At least we got the "take care of your chicken" quote, though.

Verdict: Not worth it

   

George Foreman

Resume: Former WBA, WBC, The Ring and lineal heavyweight champion

Retirement Length: 10 years

Whew. There may be no greater or more surprising comeback in boxing history than George Foreman. He stepped away from the ring at age 28, still well within his prime, after a unanimous decision loss to Jimmy Young.

Ten years later, he was back in the ring at age 38. Foreman wouldn't retire again until he was nearly 49 years old.

For the first few years of his comeback, Foreman mostly beat up on also-rans of the heavyweight division and racked up easy payday after easy payday. He fought an astounding 24 times between March 1987 and September 1990 before dropping a heavyweight championship bout to Evander Holyfield in 1991.

The comeback peaked with Foreman taking home the WBA, IBF, and lineal heavyweight titles from Michael Moorer in 1994. At age 45. He retained the lineal heavyweight championship until losing to Shannon Briggs via majority decision, retiring a final time 28 years after his first professional bout.

Verdict: Worth it

Floyd Mayweather

Resume: WBA (Super), WBC, The Ring and lineal welterweight champion

Retirement Length: Two years

Mayweather retired in 2015 with a perfect 49-0 record, securing his legacy as one of the greatest fighters in boxing history. His return was essentially a gimmick fight against Conor McGregor, who was making his boxing debut.

The entire goal of the fight was to make Mayweather and McGregor as much money as possible. The plan worked. Mayweather earned a reported $275 million for about a half-hour of work. Never mind that the fight was a bore, an overhyped mismatch that anyone could see coming from a mile away.

Mayweather got paid.

Verdict: Worth it