Marshawn Lynch has said numerous times in the past that he has no interest in reviving his playing career, but some recent rumors coupled with the words of the running back’s own agent tell a much different story.
In an interview with KNBR on Monday, Lynch’s agent Doug Hendrickson said he would not be surprised if Lynch came out of retirement next season.
“He’s one of the most unique guys I’ve ever been with in my life,” Hendrickson said, adding that he has not spoken to Lynch about the possibility of a return. “Marshawn, it wouldn’t shock me in three days if he says, ‘Hey, I want to play.’ It wouldn’t shock me if he says, ‘Nah, I don’t know where this came from. I don’t want to play.'”
While he claims he is unsure if Lynch will end up playing in 2017, Hendrickson did say he knows the 30-year-old back misses football and could return strictly for the love of the game.
“He doesn’t spend any of the money he’s made. He’s got a lot of money,” Hendrickson said. “He does miss football, no question. He loves the game of football. He’s 30. But until I meet with him this week, you know, I don’t know what his mindset is. He’s the kind of guy that can shift by the hour.”
Less than a year ago, Lynch snapped at a reporter (video here) who asked him about a potential NFL comeback. The vibe seems a lot different now, with rumors swirling that Lynch wants to play for his hometown team, the Oakland Raiders. The Seattle Seahawks would have to trade or release Lynch for that to happen, but that shouldn’t be an issue since he is supposed to count $9 million against the cap if he comes out of retirement, and the Seahawks don’t have that kind of cap space. For now, it seems like there’s a good chance we haven’t seen the last of Beast Mode.
