History of Marshawn Lynch in Timeline
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.
1981: Last Bills non-quarterback touchdown pass
In 1981, running back Joe Cribbs made the last touchdown pass completed by a Bills non-quarterback.
1984: Last 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 Marshawn Lynch broke the record in 2007.
April 22, 1986: Marshawn Lynch's Birth
On April 22, 1986, Marshawn Terrell Lynch was born. He would go on to become a professional football player in the NFL and an actor.
1996: Bills' Offense Produced Two 100-yard Rushers
In a game on December 9, 1996 marked the first time the Bills' offense produced two 100-yard rushers.
1996: Origin of "Beast Mode" Nickname
The nickname "Beast Mode" was in use since 1996 with the debut of the animated Transformers series Beast Wars. Marshawn Lynch claims that his nickname developed because one of his childhood coaches would refer to him as a beast.
2000: Attends Oakland Technical High School
In 2000, Marshawn Lynch started attending Oakland Technical High School.
2002: Last Bills Running Back in Pro Bowl
In 2002, Travis Henry was the last Bills running back selected for the Pro Bowl before Marshawn Lynch was selected in 2008.
2003: Football Season at Oakland Tech
During the 2003 football season at Oakland Technical High School, Marshawn Lynch rushed for 1,722 yards and 23 touchdowns in eight regular-season games, and 375 yards and 10 touchdowns in two postseason games.
2004: Attends University of California, Berkeley
In 2004, Marshawn Lynch began attending the University of California, Berkeley, where he majored in social welfare and played football for the Golden Bears.
2004: Graduation from High School
In 2004, Marshawn Lynch graduated from Oakland Technical High School, the same high school his mother attended.
2004: Highlights from 2004
In 2004, Marshawn Lynch's football highlights began, which were later featured on the Marshawn10.com website launched in 2006.
2004: Robert Jordan and Marshawn Lynch played together
In 2004, Robert Jordan played alongside Lynch at Cal.
2004: Freshman Year at University of California Berkeley
In 2004, as a freshman at the University of California Berkeley, Marshawn Lynch served as the primary backup to J. J. Arrington. He had 71 carries for 628 yards with eight rushing touchdowns and 147 yards on 19 receptions and two receiving touchdowns.
2005: Starting Running Back
In 2005, Marshawn Lynch became the starting running back for the California Golden Bears. He amassed 1,246 rushing yards with 10 rushing touchdowns on 196 carries and 125 receiving yards on 15 receptions.
2005: Shaun Alexander's touchdown record
In 2005, Shaun Alexander set the consecutive games with a touchdown record that Lynch would eventually break.
July 22, 2006: Campaign for Heisman Trophy
On July 22, 2006, the Cal football program launched a campaign for Marshawn Lynch to win the 2006 Heisman Trophy with the website Marshawn10.com.
December 28, 2006: Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
On December 28, 2006, in his final game for Cal, Marshawn Lynch ran for 111 yards and two touchdowns in the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl victory over Texas A&M. He shared the Co-Offensive Player of the Game award.
2006: Continues Playing for Golden Bears
In 2006, Marshawn Lynch continued playing football for the Golden Bears at the University of California, Berkeley.
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.
2006: All-Pac-10 Team First-team 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.
2006: Preseason Accolades and Track & Field
In 2006, Marshawn Lynch was placed on the watchlist for the Maxwell Award, named 8th best player by Sports Illustrated, and received preseason All-American accolades. He also joined the Cal Track & Field team, recording a personal-best time of 6.98 seconds in the 60-meter dash.
2006: Robert Jordan and Marshawn Lynch played together
In 2006, Robert Jordan played alongside Lynch at Cal.
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: Lynch's inexperience
In 2007, Lynch's inexperience was cited as a reason he was not very involved in the passing game.
2007: Rushing and Receiving Yards
In 2007, Marshawn Lynch posted 184 receiving yards on 18 receptions.
2007: NFL All-Rookie Team
In 2007, Marshawn Lynch was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team after a successful rookie season with 1,115 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
2007: Selected in the NFL Draft
In 2007, Marshawn Lynch was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the NFL draft.
June 2008: Guilty Plea to Hit-and-Run Charge
In June 2008, Marshawn Lynch pled guilty to a hit-and-run charge and had his driver's license revoked after striking a woman with his 2008 Porsche Cayenne and failing to stop.
2008: Pro Bowl Selection
In 2008, Marshawn Lynch finished the season with 1,036 yards rushing and eight rushing touchdowns. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl, replacing injured Chris Johnson. This made him the first Bills running back to head to the Pro Bowl since Travis Henry in 2002.
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: Expected Involvement in Passing Game
In 2008, Marshawn Lynch was expected to be more involved in the Buffalo Bills' passing game, according to offensive coordinator Turk Schonert.
2008: First 1,000-Yard Season Since 2008
In 2011, Marshawn Lynch had his first 1,000-yard season since 2008.
2009: Replaced as Starting Running Back
In 2009, Marshawn Lynch was replaced as the Bills' starting running back by Fred Jackson. Lynch finished the season with 450 yards on 120 carries with two rushing touchdowns.
2009: Suspension for Weapons Charge
In 2009, Marshawn Lynch was suspended for the Bills' first three games for violations of the NFL's personal conduct policy after pleading guilty on misdemeanor weapons charges. The suspension was upheld by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell despite an appeal.
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.
December 5, 2011: Nationally Televised Game Candy Eating
After Marshawn Lynch was shown eating Skittles during a nationally televised game on December 5, 2011, Mars offered him a two-year supply of Skittles and a custom dispenser for his locker.
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: 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.
2011: Affinity for Gold Jewelry
Marshawn Lynch has an affinity for purchasing grills, saying he has been wearing the gold jewelry since his junior year in high school in 2011.
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.
July 14, 2012: Arrested for DUI
On July 14, 2012, Marshawn Lynch was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) after being observed driving erratically.
2012: Customized Seahawks Grill
After the 2011 season, Marshawn Lynch purchased a customized Seahawks grill in time for the 2012 season.
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.
November 2013: Motion to Dismiss DUI Case Denied
In November 2013, Marshawn Lynch's motion to dismiss the DUI case was denied.
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: Fined for Refusing to Talk to Media
In 2013, Marshawn Lynch was fined $50,000 by the NFL for refusing to talk to the media throughout the season, which inspired fans of the Seattle Seahawks to fundraise that amount.
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.
February 2014: Settlement of DUI Case
In February 2014, Marshawn Lynch settled his DUI case by pleading guilty to a lesser charge of reckless driving. He received two years of probation and a $1,033 fine.
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.
November 19, 2014: Fined for Refusing to Speak to Media
On November 19, 2014, Marshawn Lynch was fined $100,000 for refusing to speak to the media.
December 21, 2014: "Thanks for Asking" Media Interaction
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: 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.
January 27, 2015: Super Bowl XLIX Media Day
On January 27, 2015, Marshawn Lynch made headlines at Super Bowl XLIX Media Day by answering every question with "I'm just here so I won't get fined," highlighting his history of media reluctance.
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.
April 8, 2015: Ludacris releases "Beast Mode" video
On April 8, 2015, rapper Ludacris released the music video for his single "Beast Mode", which was named after Marshawn Lynch, who also appeared in the video. Ludacris mimics Lynch's interview at the Super Bowl media day before Lynch comes in and adds "You know why we here".
June 19, 2015: Appearance on Tanked
On June 19, 2015, Marshawn 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 with the Seattle Seahawks.
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.
February 7, 2016: Retirement Announcement
On February 7, 2016, the day of Super Bowl 50, Marshawn Lynch announced his retirement via Twitter by posting a picture of his football cleats hanging from a telephone wire. He subsequently became a mentor to college football players at Cal.
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: Appearance on Brooklyn Nine-Nine
In 2017, Marshawn Lynch appeared as himself in an episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. The show references his reluctance to talk to the press during his NFL days.
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.
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.
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.
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: Co-ownership of Oakland Panthers
In 2019, Marshawn Lynch was announced as co-owner of the Oakland Panthers of the Indoor Football League (IFL).
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.
2019: Release of "Marshawn Lynch: A History" Documentary
The 2019 documentary film Marshawn Lynch: A History explores the roots of Lynch's reticence.
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.
2020: Honorary Degree from Princeton University
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 Cancellation
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
The Fan Controlled Football (FCF) league played its first game in February 2021 with Marshawn Lynch as one of the three owners of a team called the Beasts. Lynch dressed for the game, but decided not to play.
April 2021: Joins Ownership of Oakland Roots SC and PFL as Brand Ambassador and Investor
In April 2021, Marshawn Lynch joined the ownership group of the Oakland Roots SC of the USL Championship and the PFL as a brand ambassador and investor.
October 2021: Named NFLPA Brand Chief Ambassador
In October 2021, Marshawn Lynch was named the first NFLPA brand chief ambassador.
November 2021: Investor 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 Brand
In 2021, Marshawn Lynch launched a line of cannabis products under the brand name Dodi Blunts. A portion of the proceeds went to Last Prisoner Project.
2021: Oakland Panthers Dormancy
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. Lynch improvised alongside Arnett and attempted to solve a fictional murder mystery.
August 9, 2022: Arrested for Suspicion of DUI
On August 9, 2022, Marshawn Lynch was arrested by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers on suspicion of DUI near the Las Vegas Strip after being found asleep in a parked car with noticeable damage. He was charged with DUI and three other crimes.
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: Appearance in "Figure It Out" Music Video
On May 13, 2024, Marshawn Lynch appeared on Ian's "Figure It Out" music video.
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.
2025: Acting role in Euphoria
In 2025, Marshawn Lynch is set to portray a character in the third season of the TV show 'Euphoria'.
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