History of Marshawn Lynch in Timeline
Marshawn Lynch, nicknamed "Beast Mode", was an American football running back who played 12 seasons in the NFL, primarily for the Seattle Seahawks. Hailing from Oakland, California, he excelled at the University of California, Berkeley, becoming a first-team All-American and the school's second all-time leading rusher. Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2007, he later joined the Seahawks in 2010.
1981: Joe Cribbs' Touchdown Pass
In 1981, Buffalo Bills running back Joe Cribbs completed a touchdown pass, a rare occurrence for a non-quarterback.
1984: Breaking the 1,000-Yard Mark
Greg Bell was the last Bills rookie to break the 1,000-yard rushing mark in 1984.
April 22, 1986: Birth of Marshawn Lynch
On April 22, 1986, Marshawn Terrell Lynch was born. He would go on to become a successful NFL running back.
1996: Two 100-Yard Rushers
The Buffalo Bills' offense hadn't produced two 100-yard rushers in a single game since 1996.
1996: Origin of "Beast Mode"
While the term "Beast Mode" gained widespread popularity in 1996 with the release of the animated series "Beast Wars," Marshawn Lynch's association with the nickname has a different origin. He attributes it to one of his childhood coaches, who would often refer to him as a "beast" due to his exceptional strength and playing style.
2000: Marshawn Lynch Begins High School
Marshawn Lynch started high school at Oakland Technical High School in 2000, following in his mother's footsteps.
2002: First Bills Pro Bowl Running Back Since Travis Henry
Lynch became the first Bills running back to be selected to the Pro Bowl since Travis Henry in 2002.
2003: Marshawn Lynch's High School Athletic Success
During his 2003 high school season, Marshawn Lynch excelled in football, rushing for over 1,700 yards and scoring 23 touchdowns in just eight regular season games.
2004: Start of Marshawn Lynch's Heisman Campaign Highlights
The campaign for Marshawn Lynch's Heisman Trophy candidacy in 2006 featured highlights dating back to his performances in 2004.
2004: College Football with Cousin Robert Jordan
Marshawn Lynch's football journey intertwined with his family's legacy at the University of California, Berkeley. He played alongside his cousin, wide receiver Robert Jordan, from 2004 to 2006, showcasing their shared passion for the sport.
2004: Marshawn Lynch Attends UC Berkeley
Marshawn Lynch enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2004 to play football and pursue a degree in social welfare.
2004: Marshawn Lynch's Freshman Year at Cal
In his freshman year at Cal in 2004, Marshawn Lynch served as the primary backup running back and showcased his potential with impressive performances against Air Force, Washington, and Stanford.
2004: Marshawn Lynch Graduates High School
In 2004, Marshawn Lynch graduated from Oakland Technical High School after a successful athletic career.
2005: Marshawn Lynch Becomes Starting Running Back at Cal
In 2005, Marshawn Lynch took over as the starting running back for Cal, switching his jersey number to his high school number, 10. Despite missing two games due to injury, he rushed for over 1,200 yards and scored 10 touchdowns.
2005: Franchise Record for Consecutive Games with a Touchdown
Lynch set the Seahawks' franchise record for consecutive games with a touchdown in 2011, surpassing Shaun Alexander's previous record set in 2005.
July 22, 2006: Heisman Trophy Campaign for Marshawn Lynch
On July 22, 2006, a website dedicated to promoting Marshawn Lynch's candidacy for the Heisman Trophy, showcasing his highlights from 2004 to 2006, was launched.
December 28, 2006: Marshawn Lynch's Final Game for Cal
On December 28, 2006, Marshawn Lynch played his final game for Cal, contributing significantly to their victory in the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl and sharing the Co-Offensive Player of the Game award.
2006: Marshawn Lynch's Preseason Accolades and Track Debut
Before the start of the 2006 season, Marshawn Lynch earned a spot on the Maxwell Award watchlist, was recognized as a top player by Sports Illustrated, and even competed in track and field for Cal.
2006: Lynch Founds Fam1st Family Foundation
In 2006, Marshawn Lynch started the Fam1st Family Foundation as a way to give back to his hometown of Oakland, California.
2006: End of College Football with Cousin Robert Jordan
In 2006, Marshawn Lynch's time playing college football alongside his cousin, wide receiver Robert Jordan, at the University of California, Berkeley, came to an end. This marked the conclusion of their shared chapter in their football journeys.
2006: Marshawn Lynch's Stellar Final Season at Cal
Marshawn Lynch had a remarkable final season at Cal in 2006, achieving multiple 100-yard games, earning All-Pac-10 honors, and receiving the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year award.
2006: Marshawn Lynch's College Football Career
Marshawn Lynch played for the California Golden Bears football team from 2004 to 2006, showcasing his skills as a running back.
January 2, 2007: Marshawn Lynch Declares for NFL Draft
On January 2, 2007, Marshawn Lynch made the decision to forgo his senior season at Cal and enter the 2007 NFL Draft.
April 28, 2007: Marshawn Lynch Drafted by Buffalo Bills
On April 28, 2007, Marshawn Lynch's NFL journey officially began when he was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 12th overall pick in the first round of the draft.
2007: Limited Involvement Due to Inexperience
Lynch's inexperience limited his involvement in the passing game during the 2007 season.
2007: Improved Receiving Stats
Lynch's receiving stats improved in 2008 compared to the 2007 season.
2007: NFL All-Rookie Team
Marshawn Lynch was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team for the 2007 season.
2007: Marshawn Lynch Drafted by Buffalo Bills
In 2007, Marshawn Lynch was drafted by the Buffalo Bills, marking the beginning of his NFL career.
June 2008: Lynch Involved in Hit and Run Incident
Marshawn Lynch pled guilty to a hit and run charge in June 2008 after striking a woman with his car in Buffalo, New York, and failing to stop. His driver's license was revoked.
2008: First Pro Bowl Selection
Marshawn Lynch earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2008, replacing injured Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson.
2008: Reunion with Justin Forsett
Marshawn Lynch reunited with his former Cal roommate and fellow running back Justin Forsett in Seattle in 2008.
2008: Increased Involvement in Passing Game
Marshawn Lynch was expected to be more involved in the Buffalo Bills' passing game in the 2008 season.
2008: First 1,000 Yard Season Since 2008
Lynch rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2011 for the first time since 2008.
2009: Benched and Season Performance
Lynch was replaced as the Bills' starting running back by Fred Jackson after week 12 in the 2009 season, and finished the season with 450 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
2009: Suspension for Weapons Charges
Marshawn Lynch was suspended for the first three games of the 2009 season due to a violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy.
2010: Marshawn Lynch's Tenure with Seattle Seahawks
From 2010 to 2015, Marshawn Lynch played for the Seattle Seahawks, earning numerous accolades and a Super Bowl victory.
2010: Marshawn Lynch Joins Seattle Seahawks
In 2010, Marshawn Lynch joined the Seattle Seahawks after playing his first few seasons with the Buffalo Bills.
2010: First Touchdown with Seahawks
Lynch scored his first touchdown with the Seahawks on October 17, 2010.
January 8, 2011: "Beast Quake" Run
On January 8, 2011, Marshawn Lynch had a memorable 67-yard touchdown run in a playoff game against the New Orleans Saints, known as the "Beast Quake."
December 5, 2011: Lynch's Skittles Habit Catches National Attention
On December 5, 2011, Marshawn Lynch was shown on national television eating Skittles during a game, bringing attention to his habit of eating the candy during games.
December 30, 2011: Lynch Fined for Skittles Cleats
Marshawn Lynch was fined $10,000 on December 30, 2011, for wearing cleats featuring a Skittles pattern.
2011: Skittles Celebration
During a game in 2011, Marshawn Lynch was observed receiving Skittles from a trainer after scoring a touchdown, sparking a trend of fans throwing Skittles onto the field.
2011: Traded to Seattle Seahawks
Marshawn Lynch was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 2010 in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft and a conditional pick in the 2012 NFL draft.
2011: Lynch's Affinity for Grills
In 2011, Marshawn Lynch's fondness for wearing grills, gold teeth jewelry, became known. He had been wearing them since high school.
2011: Marshawn Lynch's "Beast Quake" Run and Subsequent Fine
In 2011, Marshawn Lynch made an unforgettable 67-yard touchdown run against the New Orleans Saints, later dubbed the "Beast Quake." However, his celebratory gesture resulted in a fine from the NFL, sparking debate about player expression and league rules.
January 24, 2012: Added to NFC Pro Bowl Roster
Marshawn Lynch was added to the NFC Pro Bowl roster on January 24, 2012 as a replacement for San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore.
March 4, 2012: Contract Extension with Seahawks
On March 4, 2012, Marshawn Lynch signed a four-year contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks worth $31 million.
July 14, 2012: Lynch Arrested for DUI
Marshawn Lynch was arrested for driving under the influence on July 14, 2012, after being observed driving erratically. He was found to have a blood-alcohol level of 0.10.
2012: Marshawn Lynch's 2012 NFL Season
During the 2012 NFL season, Marshawn Lynch had a remarkable run, achieving multiple 100-yard games and contributing significantly to the Seattle Seahawks' playoff run. He consistently performed well, showcasing his power and agility on the field.
2012: Lynch Gets a Seahawks Grill
Following the 2011 season, Marshawn Lynch acquired a customized Seahawks grill to wear during the 2012 season.
2012: Conditional Draft Pick
The conditional pick the Seahawks traded for Lynch would become a fifth-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft.
November 2013: Motion to Dismiss DUI Case Denied
A motion to dismiss Marshawn Lynch's DUI case was denied in November 2013. However, the trial was later delayed until after the NFL season.
2013: Lynch Fined for Media Silence
Throughout the 2013 NFL season, Marshawn Lynch refused to talk to the media, resulting in a $50,000 fine from the NFL. This fine was later withdrawn after an agreement was reached.
2013: Marshawn Lynch's 2013 NFL Season Review
In 2013, Marshawn Lynch continued his impressive performance, starting all 16 games for the Seahawks and accumulating over 1,500 rushing yards. He earned several accolades for his achievements, including First-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections.
2013: Marshawn Lynch's Dominant 2013 Season
Marshawn Lynch was instrumental in the Seattle Seahawks' success in 2013, delivering standout performances with multiple 100-yard games. He tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns and played a key role in their playoff run.
2013: Red Bull "Athletes Give Back" Campaign
In 2013, Marshawn Lynch demonstrated his commitment to giving back to the community by participating in Red Bull's "Athletes Give Back" campaign. He spearheaded a successful food drive in his hometown, reflecting his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the football field.
January 28, 2014: Lynch Signs Endorsement Deal with Skittles
On January 28, 2014, Marshawn Lynch signed an official endorsement deal with Skittles. The agreement included personal compensation for Lynch and a $10,000 donation to his Fam First Foundation for each touchdown he scored in Super Bowl XLVIII.
February 2014: Lynch's DUI Case Settled
In February 2014, Marshawn Lynch's DUI case was settled when he pleaded guilty to reckless driving. He received two years of probation, a fine, and mandatory driver's safety classes.
July 24, 2014: Marshawn Lynch Holds Out for Contract Restructure
On July 24, 2014, Marshawn Lynch decided to hold out of training camp, seeking a restructured contract from the Seattle Seahawks. This move demonstrated his business acumen and negotiation skills as a player.
November 19, 2014: Lynch Fined Again for Media Silence
Marshawn Lynch was fined $100,000 on November 19, 2014, for again refusing to speak to the media.
December 21, 2014: Lynch's Minimal Media Interaction
Following a game against the Arizona Cardinals on December 21, 2014, Marshawn Lynch responded to reporters' questions with variations of "Thanks for asking" or "I appreciate you asking."
2014: Returning a Lost Wallet
In 2014, Marshawn Lynch found a lost wallet at a gas station in Seattle. In a heartwarming act of kindness, he went the extra mile to return the wallet to its owner, demonstrating his genuine and down-to-earth nature.
2014: Marshawn Lynch's Stellar Performances in the 2014 Season
Marshawn Lynch's 2014 season was marked by several outstanding games, including a game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Denver Broncos and a four-touchdown performance against the New York Giants. His exceptional performances solidified his reputation as a dominant running back.
2014: Marshawn Lynch's Impact in the 2014 Super Bowl
Marshawn Lynch's performance in Super Bowl XLVIII was crucial to the Seattle Seahawks' victory. Despite limited carries, he scored a crucial touchdown, contributing to the team's first Super Bowl win.
January 27, 2015: Marshawn Lynch's "I'm Just Here So I Won't Get Fined" Press Conference
On January 27, 2015, Marshawn Lynch made headlines for his terse responses during a Super Bowl XLIX Media Day press conference. His repeated phrase, "I'm just here so I won't get fined," highlighted his strained relationship with the media and sparked discussions about player obligations.
March 6, 2015: Marshawn Lynch Signs Contract Extension with Seahawks
On March 6, 2015, Marshawn Lynch secured a two-year contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks, reflecting his value to the team. However, his season was cut short due to a sports hernia injury.
April 8, 2015: Ludacris "Beast Mode" Music Video Release
On April 8, 2015, rapper Ludacris released his music video for the single "Beast Mode," dedicated to and featuring Marshawn Lynch. The video cleverly references Lynch's infamous media-shy personality, with Ludacris mimicking his famous Super Bowl media day quote, "I'm just here so I won't get fined."
June 19, 2015: "Tanked" Appearance
On June 19, 2015, Marshawn Lynch appeared on the popular television show "Tanked." The episode showcased the creation of a custom-designed fish tank specifically made for Lynch, reflecting his "Beast Mode" persona.
2015: Marshawn Lynch's Performance and Controversial Play Call in Super Bowl XLIX
In Super Bowl XLIX, Marshawn Lynch delivered a strong performance but was denied a potential game-winning touchdown opportunity due to a controversial play call. The decision to pass the ball instead of giving it to Lynch on the one-yard line sparked widespread debate and remains a topic of discussion.
2015: Marshawn Lynch's First Retirement
In 2015, after an injury-ridden year, Marshawn Lynch announced his first retirement from the NFL.
February 7, 2016: Marshawn Lynch Announces Retirement
On February 7, 2016, Marshawn Lynch surprised many by announcing his retirement from the NFL via Twitter. His unique retirement announcement, featuring a picture of his cleats hanging from a telephone wire, became iconic.
2016: Marshawn Lynch Mentors College Football Players at Cal
During his retirement in 2016, Marshawn Lynch dedicated his time to mentoring college football players at his alma mater, Cal. This act demonstrated his commitment to giving back to the community and supporting young athletes.
April 2017: Marshawn Lynch Returns to the NFL with the Oakland Raiders
In April 2017, after a year of retirement, Marshawn Lynch made a comeback to the NFL, joining his hometown team, the Oakland Raiders. His decision was driven by his desire to play for the team before their relocation to Las Vegas.
April 26, 2017: Traded to Oakland Raiders
On April 26, 2017, Marshawn Lynch passed his physical and was traded to the Oakland Raiders from the Seattle Seahawks. He signed a two-year contract with the Raiders.
September 19, 2017: Beast Mobile Launch
On September 19, 2017, Marshawn Lynch took a significant step in his entrepreneurial journey by launching Beast Mobile, his own ad-supported cellphone service. The unique selling point of this service was that subscribers could potentially lower their phone bills by engaging with ads and special offers.
2017: 10,000 Rushing Yards Milestone
During the 2017 NFL season, Marshawn Lynch achieved a significant career milestone by surpassing 10,000 rushing yards, becoming the 31st player in NFL history to do so. He finished the season with impressive stats: 207 carries, 891 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, 20 receptions, and 151 receiving yards.
2017: Marshawn Lynch Returns to Football with Oakland Raiders
In 2017, Marshawn Lynch came out of retirement to play for his hometown team, the Oakland Raiders.
2017: Lynch Appears in "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Marshawn Lynch guest-starred as himself in a 2017 episode of the television show "Brooklyn Nine-Nine." The episode humorously acknowledged his reluctance to speak to the press.
November 2018: Fan Controlled Football League Ownership
In November 2018, Marshawn Lynch and Richard Sherman, both prominent NFL figures, were announced as the pioneering team owners in the proposed Fan Controlled Football League (FCFL). This innovative concept aimed to revolutionize football by empowering fans to call plays for their team using a mobile app.
2018: Oakland Raiders Draft Pick
As part of the trade that sent Marshawn Lynch to the Oakland Raiders, the Seattle Seahawks received Oakland's fifth-round selection in the 2018 NFL draft.
2018: Return to Raiders and Retirement
Marshawn Lynch returned to the Oakland Raiders for the 2018 season, playing under new head coach Jon Gruden. He had a strong start with rushing touchdowns in the first three games. In Week 4, he achieved 20 carries for 130 rushing yards in a victory against the Cleveland Browns. However, a groin injury led to his placement on injured reserve in October, ending his season. Following the season, Lynch made the decision to retire from professional football.
2018: Beast Mode Ripper BMX Bike
In 2018, Marshawn Lynch collaborated with SE Bikes BMX company to create a signature bike called the Beast Mode Ripper. This partnership stemmed from Lynch's personal interest in BMX riding, noticed by Todd Lyons, a former Pro BMX rider and the brand manager for SE Bikes.
December 23, 2019: Return to Seattle Seahawks
On December 23, 2019, Marshawn Lynch rejoined the Seattle Seahawks alongside his former teammate Robert Turbin. This move was prompted by injuries impacting the Seahawks' running back roster. He made his comeback debut in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite the loss, Lynch made an impact with 12 carries for 34 yards and a touchdown. He continued to contribute in the playoffs, scoring a touchdown in the Wild Card Round against the Philadelphia Eagles and two touchdowns in the Divisional Round against the Green Bay Packers.
2019: Marshawn Lynch Rejoins Seattle Seahawks
In 2019, Marshawn Lynch briefly came out of retirement again to rejoin the Seattle Seahawks for their playoff run.
2019: Oakland Panthers Co-Ownership
Marshawn Lynch's commitment to his hometown of Oakland extended to co-owning the Oakland Panthers of the Indoor Football League (IFL) starting in 2019. Partnering with Roy Choi, Lynch saw this as an opportunity to keep professional football alive in Oakland following the Oakland Raiders' relocation to Las Vegas.
2019: Playoff Rushing Touchdowns Record
Marshawn Lynch's exceptional performance in the 2019-20 NFL playoffs earned him a place in NFL history. His three touchdowns during those playoffs elevated his ranking to fourth on the all-time postseason rushing touchdowns list. He shares this prestigious position with Terrell Davis and John Riggins, each with an impressive record of 12 touchdowns.
2019: Release of "Marshawn Lynch: A History"
The documentary film "Marshawn Lynch: A History," released in 2019, delves into the reasons behind Lynch's reserved and quiet demeanor.
January 12, 2020: Potential Return and Hall of Fame Recognition
Following the 2019-20 NFL season, there was speculation about Marshawn Lynch potentially returning to the Seattle Seahawks. In a postgame interview on January 12, 2020, he hinted at the possibility, saying, "We'll see what's happening." Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll also acknowledged this possibility. In a testament to his exceptional career, Lynch was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-2010s Team.
December 2020: Openness to Super Bowl Contender
In December 2020, Marshawn Lynch revealed during an interview with Conan O'Brien that several NFL teams had expressed interest in signing him. He indicated that he would be willing to return to the NFL but only for a team with a genuine chance of winning the Super Bowl, highlighting his ambition to compete at the highest level.
2020: Marshawn Lynch Receives Honorary Degree from Princeton
In 2020, Marshawn Lynch received an honorary degree from Princeton University and served as the Class of 2020 speaker.
2020: Oakland Panthers Season Cancellation
The Oakland Panthers, co-owned by Marshawn Lynch, were set to begin their season in 2020. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the season after only one week of play.
February 2021: Fan Controlled Football League Debut
After facing delays, the Fan Controlled Football League (FCF) finally launched its inaugural game in February 2021. Marshawn Lynch, as one of the league's team owners, had a team named the Beasts. Although he suited up for the game, he ultimately decided not to play.
April 2021: Lynch Invests in Oakland Roots SC and PFL
Marshawn Lynch became a part-owner of the Oakland Roots SC, a USL Championship team, in April 2021. The same month, he also became a brand ambassador and investor for the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
October 2021: NFLPA Brand Chief Ambassador
In October 2021, Marshawn Lynch achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first-ever NFLPA brand chief ambassador. This appointment highlighted his influential status within the NFL and his commitment to advocating for players' rights and interests.
November 2021: Lynch Invests in PORTL Inc.
In November 2021, Marshawn Lynch was announced as an investor in PORTL Inc., a holoportation startup, joining other notable investors like Tim Draper, Quavo, Albert Pujols, Breanna Stewart, and Luke Walton in a $12 million Series A funding round.
2021: Lynch Launches Cannabis Brand
In 2021, Marshawn Lynch entered the cannabis industry with his brand, Dodi Blunts. The company, which distributes throughout the Bay Area, reflects Lynch's long-time cannabis use and aims to support drug policy reform through donations to the Last Prisoner Project.
2021: Oakland Panthers Dormancy
The Oakland Panthers, co-owned by Marshawn Lynch, remained inactive throughout the 2021 season. This decision was likely influenced by the ongoing challenges and uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
February 2022: Lynch Appears in Netflix's "Murderville"
Marshawn Lynch appeared alongside Will Arnett in an episode of the Netflix comedy series "Murderville" in February 2022, showcasing his improvisational skills while trying to solve a fictional murder mystery.
April 18, 2022: Lynch Joins Seattle Kraken Ownership Group
The Seattle Kraken announced on April 18, 2022, that Marshawn Lynch had joined the NHL team's ownership group.
August 9, 2022: Lynch Arrested for DUI in Las Vegas
On August 9, 2022, Marshawn Lynch was arrested in Las Vegas for suspicion of DUI. Police found him asleep in a parked car with noticeable damage. He was charged with DUI and other offenses.
2022: Lynch on "The Great American Baking Show"
Marshawn Lynch appeared on "The Great American Baking Show" in 2022.
December 2023: Lynch in "Bottoms" and "Lego Masters"
In December 2023, Marshawn Lynch appeared in the teen comedy film "Bottoms" as a high school teacher. He also participated in the "Celebrity Holiday Bricktacular" episode of "Lego Masters."