Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Marshawn Lynch

Discover the career path of Marshawn Lynch, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Marshawn Lynch, nicknamed "Beast Mode", is a former NFL running back who played 12 seasons, primarily with the Seattle Seahawks. Raised in Oakland, he excelled at college football for the California Golden Bears, becoming their second all-time leading rusher. Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2007, he played three seasons there before being traded to Seattle in 2010 where he became a central figure in their success, known for his powerful running style and significant contributions to the Seahawks' Super Bowl XLVIII victory.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2005: Shaun Alexander's touchdown record

In 2005, Shaun Alexander set the consecutive games with a touchdown record that Lynch would eventually break.

2006: Started Fam1st Family Foundation

In 2006, Marshawn Lynch started his own charitable foundation called the Fam1st Family Foundation to give back to his hometown of Oakland, California.

January 2, 2007: Declares for NFL Draft

On January 2, 2007, Marshawn Lynch announced he would forgo his senior season and enter the 2007 NFL draft.

April 28, 2007: Drafted by Buffalo Bills

On April 28, 2007, Marshawn Lynch was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 12th overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft and agreed to a six-year, $18.935 million contract.

2007: Selected in the NFL Draft

In 2007, Marshawn Lynch was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the NFL draft.

2008: Reunion with Justin Forsett

In 2008, Marshawn Lynch reunited with his former Cal roommate and fellow running back Justin Forsett, who was a seventh-round draft pick of the Seattle Seahawks.

2008: First 1,000-Yard Season Since 2008

In 2011, Marshawn Lynch had his first 1,000-yard season since 2008.

2010: Joins the Seattle Seahawks

In 2010, Marshawn Lynch began playing for the Seattle Seahawks and continued until 2015.

2010: First Touchdown with the Seahawks

In 2010, Marshawn Lynch scored his first touchdown of the season and with the Seattle Seahawks on October 17 on a 1-yard run against the Chicago Bears. On December 5, he scored three touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers. Lynch had 202 carries for 737 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns during the 2010 season.

January 8, 2011: "Beast Quake" Touchdown Run

On January 8, 2011, in his first career playoff game against the New Orleans Saints, Marshawn Lynch had a 67-yard touchdown run known as the "Beast Quake." He broke nine tackles and threw Saints cornerback Tracy Porter to the ground. The play's name comes from Lynch's nickname, "Beast Mode," and the seismograph reading caused by celebrating fans.

2011: Career Best Season and Skittles Celebration

In 2011, Marshawn Lynch started 15 games, rushing for 1,204 yards and 12 touchdowns, marking career bests and his first 1,000-yard season since 2008. On December 1, during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles, he was seen receiving Skittles from a trainer after scoring a touchdown, leading to fans throwing Skittles onto the field.

2011: Trade to the Seattle Seahawks and NFL Draft Picks

In 2011, Marshawn Lynch started three games for the Buffalo Bills before being traded to the Seattle Seahawks on October 5. The Bills received two draft picks: a fourth-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft and a conditional pick in the 2012 NFL draft, which later became a fifth-round pick.

2011: "Beast Quake" Touchdown

Marshawn Lynch had a "Beast Quake" 67-yard scoring run in the 2011 Wild Card Round against the New Orleans Saints.

January 24, 2012: Added to NFC Pro Bowl Roster

On January 24, 2012, Marshawn Lynch was added to the NFC Pro Bowl roster to replace San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore.

March 4, 2012: Signs Four-Year Contract with Seahawks

On March 4, 2012, Marshawn Lynch signed a four-year, $31 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks.

2012: Conditional Draft Pick

In 2012, The conditional pick in the 2012 NFL draft from the Seattle Seahawks to the Buffalo Bills as a result of the Marshawn Lynch trade became a fifth-round pick.

2012: Playoff Appearance

In the 2012 season, Marshawn Lynch contributed to the Seahawks' 11-5 record and playoff appearance, showcasing notable performances in multiple games, including victories and a loss in the Divisional Round against the Atlanta Falcons.

2013: Significant Contributor for the Seahawks

In 2013, Marshawn Lynch was a significant contributor for the Seattle Seahawks, rushing for 1,257 yards and 12 touchdowns and tying with Jamaal Charles for the league lead in rushing touchdowns.

2013: Featured in Red Bull's "Athletes Give Back" Campaign

In 2013, Marshawn Lynch was featured in Red Bull's "Athletes Give Back" campaign for putting together a successful food drive for his hometown.

2013: First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl Selection

In 2013, Marshawn Lynch was named as a First-team All-Pro and was elected into the 2013 Pro Bowl as a reserve, recognizing his outstanding performance during the season.

January 28, 2014: Official Deal with Skittles Announced

On January 28, 2014, an official deal between Marshawn Lynch and Skittles was announced. The agreement stated that in addition to personal compensation, $10,000 would be donated to his Fam First Foundation for each touchdown he scored in Super Bowl XLVIII.

July 24, 2014: Holdout and Contract Restructure

On July 24, 2014, it was announced that Marshawn Lynch would hold out of Training Camp while he waited for a restructured contract from the Seattle Seahawks. Lynch and the Seahawks quickly agreed to new terms for the season.

2014: Returned Lost Wallet

In 2014, Marshawn Lynch found a lost wallet outside Seattle at a gas station and personally returned it to the owner at their address.

2014: Super Bowl XLVIII Victory

In 2014, Marshawn Lynch participated in Super Bowl XLVIII, where he rushed for 39 yards and one touchdown, contributing to the Seattle Seahawks' 43-8 victory over the Denver Broncos.

2014: Successful Season and Overtime Victory

In the 2014 season, Marshawn Lynch had a strong start, including 110 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the opener. During Week 3 against the Denver Broncos, he completed the first overtime drive by rushing for a touchdown, securing a 26-20 victory. He continued with stellar performances, including 140 rushing yards and four touchdowns against the New York Giants.

March 6, 2015: Contract Extension and Sports Hernia Surgery

On March 6, 2015, Marshawn Lynch and the Seattle Seahawks agreed to a 2-year, $24 million contract extension. Midway through the 2015 season, Lynch needed to have sports hernia surgery.

2015: Super Bowl XLIX Performance and Controversy

In 2015, during Super Bowl XLIX, Marshawn Lynch had 24 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown, plus a catch for 31 yards. He was visibly upset by the decision to pass the ball at the one-yard line instead of running it with him, leading to an interception and a 28–24 loss to the New England Patriots.

2016: Sits out the 2016 season

In 2017, it was reported that Marshawn Lynch had agreed to terms with his hometown Oakland Raiders after having sat out the 2016 season.

April 2017: Agrees to Terms with the Oakland Raiders

In early April 2017, after sitting out the 2016 season, it was reported that Marshawn Lynch had agreed to terms with his hometown Oakland Raiders. The Seahawks would trade him, after having retained his rights even after retirement.

April 26, 2017: Trade to the Oakland Raiders

On April 26, 2017, Marshawn Lynch officially passed his physical and was traded to the Oakland Raiders. He signed a two-year, $9 million contract with a maximum of $16.5 million, including a $2 million bonus for 1,000 rushing yards for the season.

September 19, 2017: Launch of Beast Mobile Cellphone Service

On September 19, 2017, Marshawn Lynch launched his own ad-supported Beast Mobile cellphone service, which allows subscribers to pay their phone bill by engaging in ads and offers.

2017: Exceeds 10,000 Career Rushing Yards

During the regular-season finale of 2017, Marshawn Lynch became the 31st player in NFL history to rush for over 10,000 rushing yards. He finished the season with 207 carries for 891 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns.

2017: Return to the NFL with the Oakland Raiders

In 2017, Marshawn Lynch returned to the NFL to play for his hometown team, the Oakland Raiders, after his initial retirement.

2018: Season with the Oakland Raiders

In 2018, Marshawn Lynch played for the Oakland Raiders, recording a rushing touchdown in the first three games. He was placed on injured reserve with a groin injury on October 22 and finished the season with 90 carries for 376 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

2018: Oakland's fifth-round selection in the 2018 NFL draft

On April 26, 2017, the Oakland Raiders sent Oakland's fifth-round selection in the 2018 NFL draft to the Seattle Seahawks for Marshawn Lynch.

December 23, 2019: Returns to the Seattle Seahawks

On December 23, 2019, Marshawn Lynch returned to the NFL and signed with the Seattle Seahawks alongside former teammate Robert Turbin after Seattle lost three running backs to injury.

2019: Reunited with the Seahawks

In 2019, Marshawn Lynch reunited with the Seattle Seahawks for their last regular-season game and playoff run before retiring for a third and final time.

2019: Playoff Touchdowns

In 2019, Marshawn Lynch's three additional playoff touchdowns moved him into fourth place on the all-time postseason rushing touchdowns list, tying with Terrell Davis and John Riggins with a total of 12.

January 12, 2020: Lynch's Response on Seahawks Return

On January 12, 2020, Marshawn Lynch was noncommittal about returning to the Seahawks for the 2020 NFL season during a postgame interview, saying, "We'll see what's happening." Coach Pete Carroll echoed this sentiment. Also, Lynch was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-2010s Team.

December 2020: Interest in Signing with a Super Bowl Contender

In December 2020, Marshawn Lynch stated in an interview with Conan O'Brien that teams had expressed interest in signing him and that he was willing to sign with a team that was a Super Bowl contender.

October 2021: Named NFLPA Brand Chief Ambassador

In October 2021, Marshawn Lynch was named the first NFLPA brand chief ambassador.

July 2024: Co-hosting Politickin' podcast

In July 2024, Marshawn Lynch started co-hosting the 'Politickin'' podcast with California Governor Gavin Newsom and sports agent Doug Hendrickson, discussing various non-political topics and interviewing celebrities.