History of Marshawn Lynch in Timeline
Marshawn Lynch, nicknamed "Beast Mode," is a former NFL running back. He played college football at California, earning All-American honors. Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2007, he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2010, where he spent most of his career. Lynch is known for his powerful running style and significant contributions to the Seahawks' success. He earned Pro Bowl honors with both the Bills and the Seahawks.
1981: Bills Non-Quarterback Touchdown Pass
In 1981, prior to Marshawn Lynch completing a touchdown pass in 2007, the last touchdown pass completed by a Bills non-quarterback was running back Joe Cribbs.
1984: Bills Rookie to Break 1,000-yard Mark
In 1984, Greg Bell was the last Bills rookie to break the 1,000-yard mark, before Lynch did so in 2007.
April 22, 1986: Marshawn Lynch Born
On April 22, 1986, Marshawn Terrell Lynch was born. He would later become a professional football running back known as "Beast Mode".
1996: Bills Offense Produced Two 100-yard Rushers
In 1996, prior to Lynch's performance in 2007, it was the last time the Bills' offense produced two 100-yard rushers in the same game.
1996: Use of "Beast Mode" term
The term "Beast Mode" was in use since 1996 with the debut of the animated Transformers series Beast Wars. Marshawn Lynch claims it developed as his nickname because one of his childhood coaches would refer to him as a beast.
2000: Attended Oakland Technical High School
In 2000, Marshawn Lynch began attending Oakland Technical High School.
2002: Bills Running Back in Pro Bowl
In 2002, Travis Henry was the last Bills running back to head to the Pro Bowl before Marshawn Lynch in 2008.
2003: High School Football Success
During the 2003 season at Oakland Tech, Marshawn Lynch rushed for 1,722 yards and 23 touchdowns in eight regular-season games, and 375 yards with 10 touchdowns in two postseason games, earning All-American honors and San Francisco East Bay Player of the Year.
2004: Attended University of California, Berkeley
In 2004, Marshawn Lynch began attending the University of California, Berkeley, where he majored in social welfare and played football.
2004: Graduated Oakland Technical High School
In 2004, Marshawn Lynch graduated from Oakland Technical High School, the same high school his mother attended.
2004: Featured on Marshawn10.com
In 2004, Marshawn Lynch's highlights were featured on Marshawn10.com as part of the campaign to win the 2006 Heisman Trophy.
2004: Freshman Year at Cal
In 2004, as a true freshman at University of California Berkeley, Marshawn Lynch played as the primary backup and had a successful debut season with 628 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, 147 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns.
2005: Starting Running Back
In 2005, Marshawn Lynch became the starting running back after Arrington graduated, amassing 1,246 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns despite missing two games due to injury. He was also named MVP in the 2005 Las Vegas Bowl.
July 22, 2006: Heisman Trophy Campaign Launched
On July 22, 2006, the Cal football program officially launched the campaign for Marshawn Lynch to win the 2006 Heisman Trophy with the opening of the website Marshawn10.com, featuring Lynch's highlights.
December 28, 2006: Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
On December 28, 2006, Marshawn Lynch played his final game for Cal in the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl, running for 111 yards and two touchdowns, sharing the Co-Offensive Player of the Game award.
2006: Final Year at University of California, Berkeley
2006 was Marshawn Lynch's final year playing football at the University of California, Berkeley.
2006: All-Pac-10 and Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year
In 2006, Marshawn Lynch was named to the All-Pac-10 team First-team, Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year, and an AFCA All-America for his performance.
2006: Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year
In 2006, Marshawn Lynch won Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year and earned first-team All-American honors while playing college football for the California Golden Bears.
2006: Preseason Accolades and Track & Field
In 2006, during the preseason, Marshawn Lynch earned a spot on the watchlist for the Maxwell Award, was named 8th best player in the nation by Sports Illustrated, earned several preseason All-American accolades, and competed in track and field.
January 2, 2007: Declared 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 contract.
2007: Lynch's Passing Inexperience
In 2007, Lynch's inexperience was the reason he was not very involved in the passing game.
2007: NFL All-Rookie Team
In 2007, Marshawn Lynch completed a successful rookie season with 1,115 total rushing yards and seven touchdowns, earning him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team.
2007: Receiving Yards Increase
In 2007, Marshawn Lynch had 184 receiving yards on 18 receptions.
2007: Drafted into the NFL
In 2007, Marshawn Lynch was selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the Buffalo Bills.
June 2008: Guilty Plea for Hit-and-Run Charge
In June 2008, Marshawn Lynch pled guilty to a hit-and-run charge. He was driving his 2008 Porsche Cayenne at 3:30 a.m. through Buffalo's bar district when he struck a woman in the street and failed to stop, resulting in his driver's license being revoked.
2008: Inspiration for "Beast Mode" nickname
In 2008, Marshawn Lynch claimed on an episode of the Politickin' podcast that the "Beast Mode" nickname draws inspiration from a 2008 song of the same name by Boosie.
2008: Pro Bowl Selection
In 2008, Marshawn Lynch earned Pro Bowl honors while playing for the Buffalo Bills.
2008: Expected Involvement in Passing Game
In 2008, the Bills' offensive coordinator, Turk Schonert, anticipated Marshawn Lynch would be more involved in the passing game.
2009: Loss of Starting Position
In 2009, Marshawn Lynch played his first game of the season against the Miami Dolphins and was later replaced as the Bills' starting running back.
2009: NFL Suspension
In 2009, Marshawn Lynch was suspended for the first three games of the season for violations of the NFL's personal conduct policy, stemming from a misdemeanor weapons charge.
2010: Traded to the Seattle Seahawks
During the 2010 season, Marshawn Lynch was traded to the Seattle Seahawks.
2010: Joins Seattle Seahawks and Beast Quake
In 2010, Marshawn Lynch joined the Seattle Seahawks and later had his famous 'Beast Quake' touchdown during the 2010-11 NFL playoffs.
January 8, 2011: 67-yard Touchdown Run Against Saints
On January 8, 2011, in his first career playoff game against the New Orleans Saints, Marshawn Lynch had a memorable 67-yard touchdown run. He broke nine tackles and threw Saints cornerback Tracy Porter to the ground with one arm. This play, dubbed the "Beast Quake" in Seattle, got its name from Lynch's nickname, "Beast Mode," and the intense movement from celebrating fans that registered on a seismograph.
December 5, 2011: Nationally Televised Skittles Consumption
On December 5, 2011, Marshawn Lynch was shown eating Skittles during a nationally televised game, leading to a partnership with Mars.
December 30, 2011: Fine for Wearing Skittles Cleats
On December 30, 2011, Marshawn Lynch was fined $10,000 for wearing cleats featuring a Skittles pattern during an NFL game.
2011: Affinity for Grills
In 2011, Marshawn Lynch demonstrated his affinity for purchasing grills, stating that he has been wearing the gold jewelry since his junior year in high school.
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: Signed a Four-Year Contract with the Seahawks
On March 4, 2012, Marshawn Lynch signed a four-year, $31 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
July 14, 2012: Arrest for Driving Under the Influence
On July 14, 2012, Marshawn Lynch was arrested by the California Highway Patrol for driving under the influence (DUI) after being observed driving erratically. He registered a blood-alcohol level of 0.10 on a breathalyzer.
2012: Purchase of Customized Seahawks Grill
Following the 2011 season, Marshawn Lynch purchased a customized Seahawks grill in time for the 2012 season.
November 2013: Motion to Dismiss DUI Case Denied
In November 2013, a motion to dismiss Marshawn Lynch's DUI case was denied, but the trial date was pushed back until after the NFL season.
2013: NFL Fine for Refusing to Talk to Media
During the 2013 NFL season, Marshawn Lynch was fined $50,000 by the NFL for refusing to talk to the media, leading to a fundraising effort by Seattle Seahawks fans.
2013: Featured in Red Bull's "Athletes Give Back" Campaign
In 2013, Marshawn Lynch was featured in Red Bull's campaign "Athletes Give Back", where he organized a successful food drive for his hometown.
January 28, 2014: Official Deal with Skittles Announced
On January 28, 2014, an official deal between Marshawn Lynch and Skittles was announced, including personal compensation and a donation to his Fam First Foundation for each touchdown scored in Super Bowl XLVIII.
February 2014: Reckless Driving Plea in DUI Case
In February 2014, Marshawn Lynch settled his DUI case by pleading guilty to a lesser charge of reckless driving, receiving two years of probation, a $1,033 fine, and mandatory drivers' safety classes.
November 19, 2014: NFL Fine for Refusing to Speak to Media Again
On November 19, 2014, Marshawn Lynch was fined $100,000 by the NFL for once again refusing to speak to the media.
December 21, 2014: Answering Reporters with "Thanks for Asking"
On December 21, 2014, after the second Seahawks–Cardinals game, Marshawn Lynch answered nearly every question from reporters with some version of "Thanks for asking" or "I appreciate you asking."
2014: Good Samaritan Act
In 2014, Marshawn Lynch found a lost wallet outside Seattle at a gas station and returned it to the address on the ID.
January 27, 2015: Super Bowl XLIX Media Day Press Conference
On January 27, 2015, at Super Bowl XLIX Media Day, Marshawn Lynch famously held a five-minute press conference, answering every question with "I'm just here so I won't get fined."
March 6, 2015: Agreed to Contract Extension with Seahawks
On March 6, 2015, Marshawn Lynch and the Seattle Seahawks agreed to a 2-year, $24 million contract extension.
April 8, 2015: Appearance in Ludacris' "Beast Mode" Music Video
On April 8, 2015, Marshawn Lynch appeared in the music video for Ludacris' single "Beast Mode," named after him, mimicking his Super Bowl media day interview.
June 19, 2015: Appearance on Tanked
On June 19, 2015, Marshawn Lynch appeared in an episode of Tanked where they created a special fish tank for "BeastMode."
2015: First Retirement
In 2015, Marshawn Lynch initially retired from the NFL following an injury-plagued year.
2015: Leaves Seattle Seahawks
In 2015, Marshawn Lynch's time with the Seattle Seahawks ended.
February 7, 2016: Opening of First Beast Mode Store
Marshawn Lynch's first Beast Mode store opened in Oakland, California on February 7, 2016, during Super Bowl 50.
February 7, 2016: Announced Retirement via Twitter
On February 7, 2016, the day of Super Bowl 50, Marshawn Lynch announced his retirement from the NFL via Twitter by posting a picture of his football cleats hanging from a telephone wire.
September 19, 2017: Launch of Beast Mobile Cellphone Service
On September 19, 2017, Marshawn Lynch launched his own ad-supported Beast Mobile cellphone service.
2017: Appearance in Brooklyn Nine-Nine
In 2017, Marshawn Lynch appeared as himself in an episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, where he was an eyewitness to a convict escape.
2017: Return to the NFL
In 2017, Marshawn Lynch returned to the NFL to play for the Oakland Raiders.
November 2018: Announcement as Team Owner in Fan Controlled Football League
In November 2018, Marshawn Lynch and Richard Sherman were announced as the first two team owners in a proposed Fan Controlled Football League.
2018: Partnership with SE Bikes BMX Company
In 2018, Marshawn Lynch partnered with SE Bikes BMX company to create a Beast Mode Ripper: an adult-sized BMX bike with customized Beast Mode branding as a 2018 SE Bicycle.
December 23, 2019: Signed with Seahawks after injuries
On December 23, 2019, Marshawn Lynch returned to the NFL, signing with the Seattle Seahawks alongside 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 again.
2019: Announcement as Co-Owner of Oakland Panthers
In 2019, Marshawn Lynch was announced as co-owner of the Oakland Panthers of the Indoor Football League (IFL) alongside Roy Choi.
2019: Moved into fourth place on the all-time postseason rushing touchdowns list
In 2019, with his three additional playoff touchdowns in the 2019–20 NFL playoffs, Lynch moved into fourth place on the all-time postseason rushing touchdowns list. He is tied with Terrell Davis and John Riggins with 12.
2019: Release of Marshawn Lynch: A History Documentary
The documentary film Marshawn Lynch: A History exploring the roots of Lynch's reticence was released in 2019.
January 12, 2020: Speculation on Return to Seahawks
During a postgame interview on January 12, 2020, Marshawn Lynch was asked if he'll return for the Seahawks in the 2020 NFL season. Lynch responded with "We'll see what's happening."
December 2020: Interest in Signing with Super Bowl Contender
In a December 2020 interview with Conan O'Brien, Marshawn Lynch said that teams had expressed interest in signing him and that he was willing to sign with a team that is a Super Bowl contender.
2020: Honorary Degree from Princeton
In 2020, Marshawn Lynch received an honorary degree from Princeton University after being invited as the Class of 2020 speaker.
2020: Cancellation of Oakland Panthers Season
In 2020, the Oakland Panthers' season was cancelled after the opening week due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
February 2021: Participation in Fan Controlled Football (FCF)
In February 2021, Marshawn Lynch participated in the first game of Fan Controlled Football (FCF), rebranded from Project Fanchise, as one of three owners of a team called the Beasts.
April 2021: Joins Ownership Group of Oakland Roots SC and PFL
In April 2021, Marshawn Lynch joined the ownership group of the Oakland Roots SC of the USL Championship and became a brand ambassador and investor for the PFL.
October 2021: Named NFLPA Brand Chief Ambassador
In October 2021, Marshawn Lynch was named the first NFLPA brand chief ambassador.
November 2021: Investment in PORTL Inc.
In November 2021, Marshawn Lynch was revealed as an investor in PORTL Inc., the holoportation startup, as part of its $12M Series A round.
2021: Launch of Dodi Blunts Cannabis Line
In 2021, Marshawn Lynch launched a line of cannabis products under the brand name Dodi Blunts, distributing blunts to dispensaries throughout the Bay Area, with a portion of proceeds going to the Last Prisoner Project.
2021: Oakland Panthers Go Dormant
In 2021, the Oakland Panthers went dormant for the season.
February 2022: Appearance on Murderville
In February 2022, Marshawn Lynch appeared as himself alongside Will Arnett in an episode of Murderville, a comedic murder-mystery streaming television series released by Netflix, improvising and attempting to solve a fictional murder mystery.
August 9, 2022: Arrested for DUI in Las Vegas
On August 9, 2022, Marshawn Lynch was arrested by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers on suspicion of DUI near the Las Vegas Strip and charged with driving under the influence, as well as three other crimes, later posting bail of $3,381 and being released.
2022: Appearance on The Great American Baking Show
In 2022, Marshawn Lynch appeared on The Great American Baking Show.
December 2023: Appeared on Lego Masters "Celebrity Holiday Bricktacular"
In December 2023, Marshawn Lynch appeared on Lego Masters second installment of its "Celebrity Holiday Bricktacular", teaming up with contestant Dave Guedes.
May 13, 2024: Appeared on Ian's "Figure It Out" music video
On May 13, 2024, Marshawn Lynch appeared on Ian's "Figure It Out" music video.
July 2024: Lynch co-hosts Politickin' podcast
In July 2024, Marshawn Lynch began co-hosting the 'Politickin'' podcast with California governor Gavin Newsom and sports agent Doug Hendrickson. The podcast features interviews with celebrities and covers topics mostly unrelated to politics.
2024: Stake in American Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna
In 2024, Lynch had a stake in American Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna.
2026: Lynch appears in Euphoria season three
In 2026, Marshawn Lynch appears in season three of 'Euphoria', portraying the character G, who works for Alamo Brown.
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