Renton, WA (SportsNetwork.com) – “Beast Mode” is staying in Seattle.
Marshawn Lynch has decided to remain with the Seahawks, signing a two-year
contract extension through the 2017 season, the team announced Friday.
The star running back signed a four-year, $31 million deal with the team in
2012, but reportedly restructured his contract for 2015 to $12 million and
then added on the two additional years.
Lynch, who will turn 29 on April 22, was reportedly mulling retirement after
Seattle’s shocking 28-24 loss to New England in the Super Bowl last month.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was intercepted at the goal line in the
closing seconds to seal Seattle’s fate against the Patriots. The play call was
criticized, with detractors complaining that Lynch didn’t get the ball,
costing the Seahawks a second straight Super Bowl crown.
“To be honest with you, I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that I was
expecting the ball,” Lynch said in an interview with a Turkish media outlet.
“Yes, I was expecting the ball. But in life, these things happen. Like I told
a reporter after the game, it’s a team sport.”
Lynch, who got the nickname “Beast Mode” for his trademark powerful runs,
rushed for a career-high 13 touchdowns last season and amassed 1,306 yards —
his fourth consecutive season with at least 1,200 yards. He added four
touchdown catches.
He rushed for 102 yards and a score in the Super Bowl.
