History of Marshawn Lynch in Timeline

Marshawn Lynch, nicknamed "Beast Mode," is a former NFL running back who played for 12 seasons. He is most known for his time with the Seattle Seahawks. Lynch, raised in Oakland, California, excelled at the University of California, becoming an All-American. Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2007, he played three seasons there before being traded to Seattle in 2010, where he became a key player and fan favorite.

Sections (4)

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

1981: Last Non-QB Touchdown Pass

Marshawn Lynch's touchdown pass to tight end Robert Royal in 2007 was the first touchdown pass completed by a Bills non-quarterback since running back Joe Cribbs in 1981.

1984: Bills Rookie Break 1,000-Yard Mark

On December 23, 2007, Marshawn Lynch became the first Bills rookie to break the 1,000-yard mark since Greg Bell in 1984.

April 22, 1986: Marshawn Lynch Born

On April 22, 1986, Marshawn Terrell Lynch was born. He is an American actor and former professional football player.

Others born on this day/year

1996: Origin of "Beast Mode" Nickname

In 1996, the term "Beast Mode" was in use with the debut of the animated Transformers series Beast Wars, although Marshawn Lynch claims it developed as his nickname because one of his childhood coaches would refer to him as a beast.

1996: Bills' Offense Records

On December 9, 2007, the Bills' offense produced two 100-yard rushers for the first time since 1996, with Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson both achieving the milestone.

2000: Attended Oakland Technical High School

In 2000, Marshawn Lynch began attending Oakland Technical High School.

2002: First Bills Running Back to the Pro Bowl

In 2008, Marshawn Lynch was the first Bills running back to head to the Pro Bowl since Travis Henry in 2002.

2003: Oakland Tech Season

In his 2003 season at Oakland Tech, Marshawn Lynch rushed for 1,722 yards and 23 touchdowns in the regular season and an additional 375 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in the postseason, earning All-American honors and San Francisco East Bay Player of the Year.

2004: Robert Jordan plays alongside Lynch at Cal

In 2004, Lynch's cousin, Robert Jordan, played alongside Lynch at Cal.

2004: Attended University of California, Berkeley

In 2004, Marshawn Lynch began attending the University of California, Berkeley, where he played football.

2004: Graduated from Oakland Technical High School

In 2004, Marshawn Lynch graduated from Oakland Technical High School.

2004: Freshman Year at Cal

In 2004, as a true freshman, Marshawn Lynch was the primary backup, contributing with 628 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, plus 147 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.

2004: Heisman Campaign Launched

The Cal football program launched the campaign for Marshawn Lynch to win the 2006 Heisman Trophy with the opening of the website Marshawn10.com, featuring Lynch's highlights from 2004 to 2006.

2005: Starting Running Back

In 2005, Marshawn Lynch became the starting running back for the Golden Bears, amassing 1,246 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns, earning MVP honors at the Las Vegas Bowl despite missing two games due to injury.

2005: Shaun Alexander's Record

In 2005, Shaun Alexander set the franchise record for consecutive games with a touchdown, with nine.

July 22, 2006: Heisman 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 from 2004 to 2006.

December 28, 2006: Pacific Life Holiday Bowl

On December 28, 2006, Marshawn Lynch played his final game for Cal, rushing for 111 yards and two touchdowns in the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl victory over Texas A&M and shared the Co-Offensive Player of the Game award.

2006: Played for the Golden Bears

From 2004 to 2006, Marshawn Lynch played for the Golden Bears football team at the University of California, Berkeley.

2006: Starts Fam1st Family Foundation

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

2006: Robert Jordan plays alongside Lynch at Cal

In 2006, Lynch's cousin, Robert Jordan, played alongside Lynch at Cal.

2006: All-Pac-10 Team Selection

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 in the season.

2006: Preseason Accolades

In the 2006 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.

January 2, 2007: Entered the 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 the 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: Successful Rookie Season

In 2007, Marshawn Lynch finished a successful rookie season with 1,115 total rushing yards and seven touchdowns, earning him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team.

2007: Drafted by Buffalo Bills

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

2007: Marshawn Lynch's Inexperience

In 2007, Marshawn Lynch's inexperience was a reason he was not very involved in the passing game.

2007: Increased Receiving Yards

In 2008, Marshawn Lynch posted 300 receiving yards on 47 receptions, including a receiving touchdown, compared to 184 yards on 18 receptions for the 2007 season.

June 2008: Lynch pleads guilty to hit and run

In June 2008, Lynch pled guilty to a hit and run charge and had his driver's license revoked after striking a woman in the street and failing to stop.

2008: Reunion with Justin Forsett

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

2008: Pro Bowl Selection

In 2008, Marshawn Lynch finished the season with 1,036 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns and was selected to his first Pro Bowl, replacing injured Chris Johnson.

2008: Involved in Buffalo's Passing Game

In 2008, Marshawn Lynch was expected to be more involved in Buffalo's passing game, according to the Bills' new offensive coordinator Turk Schonert.

2009: Lynch played and was replaced.

Beginning November 29, 2009, Marshawn Lynch was replaced as the Bills' starting running back by Fred Jackson and finished the season with 450 yards on 120 carries with two rushing touchdowns.

2009: Suspension for Weapons Charges

In 2009, Marshawn Lynch met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and was suspended for the Bills' first three games for violations of the NFL's personal conduct policy due to misdemeanor weapons charges.

2010: Joined Seattle Seahawks

During the 2010 season, Marshawn Lynch joined the Seattle Seahawks after playing three full seasons with the Buffalo Bills.

2010: Touchdowns and Rushing Yards

In the 2010 season, Marshawn Lynch had 202 carries for 737 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.

January 8, 2011: "Beast Quake" Run

On January 8, 2011, during his first career playoff game against the New Orleans Saints, Marshawn Lynch had a memorable 67-yard touchdown run, breaking nine tackles, which became known as the "Beast Quake" due to the seismic activity caused by celebrating fans.

December 5, 2011: Lynch Shown Eating Skittles During Game

On December 5, 2011, Lynch was shown eating Skittles during a nationally televised game.

December 30, 2011: Fined for wearing Skittles cleats

On December 30, 2011, Marshawn Lynch was fined $10,000 for wearing cleats featuring a Skittles pattern.

2011: Purchases custom Seahawks grill

After the 2011 season, Lynch purchased a customized Seahawks grill in time for the 2012 season.

2011: Career Best Season

During the 2011 season, Marshawn Lynch had a career best season, rushing for 1,204 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also had his first 1,000-yard season since 2008.

2011: "Beast Quake"

Marshawn Lynch had a similar "Beast Quake" 67-yard scoring run in the 2011 Wild Card Round against the New Orleans Saints, compared to his later 79-yard touchdown run.

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 Four-Year Contract with Seahawks

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

July 14, 2012: Arrested for DUI

On July 14, 2012, Lynch was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) after being observed driving erratically.

2012: Playoff Appearance

During the 2012 season, the Seattle Seahawks finished with an 11-5 record and made the playoffs.

2012: Purchases custom Seahawks grill

Lynch had purchased a customized Seahawks grill in time for the 2012 season, following the 2011 season.

2012: Draft Pick

On October 5, 2010 Marshawn Lynch was traded to the Seattle Seahawks and as a result, the Bills received a conditional pick in the 2012 NFL draft, which would become a fifth-round pick.

November 2013: Motion to dismiss DUI case denied

In November 2013, a motion to dismiss Lynch's DUI case was denied.

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

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

2013: Fined for refusing to talk to the media

In 2013, Lynch was fined $50,000 by the NFL for refusing to talk to the media throughout the season, inspiring fans to fundraise that amount, which he later donated to charity.

2013: Significant Contributor for the Seahawks

In the 2013 season, Lynch rushed for 1,257 yards and 12 touchdowns, tying with Jamaal Charles for the league lead in rushing touchdowns, and the Seahawks finished with a 13-3 record, earning a first-round bye in the playoffs.

2013: First-Team All-Pro

Marshawn Lynch was named as a First-team All-Pro and was elected into the 2013 Pro Bowl as a reserve.

January 28, 2014: Official deal with Skittles announced

On January 28, 2014, an official deal between Lynch and Skittles was announced, which included personal compensation and donations to his Fam First Foundation for each touchdown scored in Super Bowl XLVIII.

February 2014: Pleads guilty to reckless driving

In February 2014, Lynch settled his DUI case by pleading guilty to a lesser charge of reckless driving, receiving probation, a fine, and attendance at drivers' safety classes.

July 24, 2014: Contract Restructure Discussions

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 Seahawks; new terms were quickly agreed upon.

November 19, 2014: Fined $100,000 for refusing to speak to the media

On November 19, 2014, Lynch was fined $100,000 by the NFL for once again refusing to speak to the media.

December 21, 2014: Answers questions with "Thanks for asking"

On December 21, 2014, after a Seahawks game, Lynch answered nearly every question from reporters with some version of "Thanks for asking" or "I appreciate you asking."

2014: Returns Lost Wallet

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

2014: First Super Bowl Victory

In 2014, Marshawn Lynch and the Seattle Seahawks secured their first Super Bowl victory by defeating the Denver Broncos 43-8; Lynch rushed for 39 yards and one touchdown in the game.

2014: Successful Season Performance

In the 2014 season, Marshawn Lynch had multiple standout performances, including 110 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the season opener and a game with 140 rushing yards and four touchdowns against the New York Giants.

January 27, 2015: Super Bowl XLIX Media Day

On January 27, 2015, Marshawn Lynch famously answered every question at Super Bowl XLIX Media Day with "I'm just here so I won't get fined."

March 6, 2015: 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: Ludacris releases "Beast Mode" video

On April 8, 2015, rapper Ludacris released the video for his single "Beast Mode," which featured Lynch, who also mimics Lynch's interview at the Super Bowl media day by saying "I'm just here so I won't get fined."

June 19, 2015: Lynch appears on Tanked

On June 19, 2015, Lynch appeared in the fourth episode of the sixth season of Tanked, where they created a special fish tank for "BeastMode".

2015: First Retirement

In 2015, Marshawn Lynch retired from the NFL following an injury-plagued year.

2015: Super Bowl XLIX Loss

In the 2015 Super Bowl XLIX, the Seahawks lost to the New England Patriots 28-24; Marshawn Lynch had 24 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown. A controversial play call near the end zone led to an interception instead of a potential game-winning run by Lynch.

February 7, 2016: Retirement Announcement

On February 7, 2016, Marshawn Lynch announced his retirement from the NFL via Twitter by posting a picture of his football cleats hanging from a telephone wire.

2016: Sitting out the Season

After sitting out the 2016 season, rumors circulated about Lynch returning to the NFL.

April 2017: Inspired to Come out of Retirement

In early April 2017, after sitting out the 2016 season, it was reported Lynch had agreed to terms with his hometown Oakland Raiders and that he was inspired to come out of retirement by the team's impending move to Las Vegas.

April 26, 2017: Traded to Oakland Raiders

On April 26, 2017, Marshawn Lynch was officially traded to the Oakland Raiders along with Seattle's sixth-round draft pick.

September 19, 2017: Launch of Beast Mobile cellphone service

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

2017: 10,000 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.

2017: Appears in Brooklyn Nine-Nine

In 2017, 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 with the Oakland Raiders

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

November 2018: Lynch becomes team owner in Fan Controlled Football League

In November 2018, Lynch and Richard Sherman were announced as the first two team owners in a proposed Fan Controlled Football League.

2018: Contract details with the Oakland Raiders

In 2018, Lynch signed a two-year, $9 million contract with a maximum of $16.5 million; it had a $2 million bonus for 1,000 rushing yards for the season with the Oakland Raiders.

2018: Beast Mode Ripper BMX Bike Created

In 2018, Todd Lyons partnered with Marshawn Lynch to create a Beast Mode Ripper, an adult-sized BMX bike with customized Beast Mode branding as a 2018 SE Bicycle.

2018: Season with the Oakland Raiders

Marshawn Lynch returned to the Raiders' backfield for the 2018 season, recording rushing touchdowns in the first three games. He finished the 2018 season with 90 carries for 376 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in six games and planned to retire again.

December 23, 2019: Return to the Seahawks

On December 23, 2019, Marshawn Lynch returned to the NFL, signing with the Seattle Seahawks alongside former teammate Robert Turbin.

2019: Lynch becomes co-owner of the Oakland Panthers

In 2019, Lynch was announced as co-owner of the Oakland Panthers of the Indoor Football League (IFL) alongside Roy Choi.

2019: Reunited with the Seahawks

In 2019, Marshawn Lynch reunited with the Seattle Seahawks for their last regular season game and playoff run.

2019: Marshawn Lynch: A History Documentary Released

In 2019, the documentary film Marshawn Lynch: A History, which explores the roots of Lynch's reticence, was released.

2019: Playoff Touchdowns Record

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.

January 12, 2020: Possible Return for the Seahawks

During a postgame interview on January 12, 2020, Lynch was asked if he'll return for the Seahawks in the 2020 NFL season and said "We'll see what's happening."

December 2020: Interest in Super Bowl Contender

In a December 2020 interview with Conan O'Brien, 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: Received Honorary Degree from Princeton

In 2020, Marshawn Lynch received an honorary degree from Princeton University after being invited to be the Class of 2020 speaker.

2020: Oakland Panthers season cancelled due to COVID-19

In 2020, the Oakland Panthers season was cancelled after the opening week due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

February 2021: First Fan Controlled Football Game

In February 2021, the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) league played its first game with Lynch as one of the three owners of a team called the Beasts.

April 2021: Joins Oakland Roots SC ownership and PFL

In April 2021, Lynch joined the ownership group of the Oakland Roots SC of the USL Championship and also joined the PFL as a brand ambassador and investor.

October 2021: Lynch named NFLPA brand chief ambassador

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

November 2021: Lynch invests in PORTL Inc.

In November 2021, Lynch was revealed as an investor in PORTL Inc., the holoportation startup, as part of its $12M Series A round.

2021: Lynch Launches Dodi Blunts

In 2021, 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 the proceeds going to Last Prisoner Project.

2021: Oakland Panthers go dormant

In 2021, the Oakland Panthers went dormant for the season.

February 2022: Appears in Murderville

In February 2022, Lynch appeared as himself alongside Will Arnett in an episode of Murderville, a comedic murder-mystery streaming television series released by Netflix.

April 18, 2022: Lynch joins Seattle Kraken ownership group

On April 18, 2022, the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League announced that Lynch had joined its ownership group.

August 9, 2022: Arrested on suspicion of DUI

On August 9, 2022, Lynch was arrested on suspicion of DUI near the Las Vegas Strip after being found asleep in a parked car with noticeable damage.

2022: Appears on The Great American Baking Show

In 2022, Lynch appeared on The Great American Baking Show.

December 2023: Appears on Lego Masters

In December 2023, Lynch appeared on Lego Masters second installment of its "Celebrity Holiday Bricktacular", teaming up with contestant Dave Guedes.

May 13, 2024: Appears in Ian's "Figure It Out" music video

On May 13, 2024, Lynch appeared on Ian's "Figure It Out" music video.

July 2024: Co-hosts Politickin' podcast

In July 2024, Lynch began co-hosting the Politickin' podcast alongside California governor Gavin Newsom and sports agent Doug Hendrickson, covering various topics and interviewing celebrities.