The Seattle Seahawks may have lost a lot more than just their bid to appear in Super Bowl 50 when they went down to the Carolina Panthers last Sunday night, as recent comments from their GM, John Schneider, suggest that Marshawn Lynch is ready to walk away from the game.
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Schneider said Lynch was "leaning toward retirement" after nine seasons in the league and a year that was hampered by injuries.
Rapoport also believes that Lynch is closer to retiring than returning for another season. Rappaport said "it is very clear he's not going to be a member of the Seahawks for $11.5 million, which is his salary for 2016" on NFL's flagship podcast Around The NFL.
#Seahawks GM John Schneider tells @brockespn & @themikesalk he believes Marshawn Lynch is "leaning towards retirement." My understanding too
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 22, 2016
Lynch entered the NFL in 2007 as the 12th overall selection and went on to accumulate over 9,000 running yards and over 10,000 all-purpose yards along with 83 touchdowns during his stellar career.
He has always been a provocative character in terms of media relations and was famous for the "I'm just here so I won't get fined" cameo he made during a memorable NFL interview.
Last February, Schneider pointed out the eccentricities of his lead back and said, "He does what he wants. He would never let you know one way or the other. There's been a lot of great running backs that have just walked away. So I have no idea."
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