All signs point to Marshawn Lynch hanging it up

During the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl on Sunday night, Lynch tweeted a photo of cleats dangling over a wire and a “peace out” emoji, signifying he was hanging them up after nine years in the National Football League, including the past six with the Seahawks.

In case that didn’t paint the picture clearly enough, Lynch’s agent, Doug Hendrickson, confirmed Monday that the running back indeed has retired, ending one of the most compelling and unique careers in Seattle sports history. He arrived in Seattle in 2010 and his attitude and bruising running became the foundation for two straight NFC championships and the franchise’s first Super Bowl title. “He’s one of the greatest running backs to play”. Despite delivering several signature on-field moments, including his “BeastQuake” run against the New Orleans Saints in the 2011 playoffs, Lynch was mostly known for his mercurial personality.

Lynch struggled through an injury-plagued 2015 season with a hamstring issue and then abdominal surgery, playing in only seven regular-season games. “It was an honor sharing the field with you”, Seahawks Pro Bowl cornerback Richard Sherman tweeted during the game.

Lynch is under contract for two more seasons.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport told 950 KJR-AM Friday Lynch “hasn’t spent a dime of his actual playing money”. During Super Bowl 49’s media day, Lynch responded to over 20 questions with the phrase, “I’m just here so I won’t get fined” over and over again until the requisite five minutes had expired.

However, reports have indicated that Lynch has been telling close friends he’s retiring, and Seahawks GM John Schneider said on a radio show this offseason that all signs point to Lynch retiring. Hairston made 15 starts for the Bills over four seasons and is now with the Chargers, and Carder never made it past final roster cuts in Buffalo and is now with the Browns. “I’m the face of the nation” he said. The commercials – “Quit freakin’, call Beacon” and “Bruh, I’ve been here the whole time” among the most memorable.

His career rushing numbers end at 9,112 yards and 74 touchdowns.

There is no denying “Beast Mode” is one of the better ball-carriers in the modern era-a rare power runner with a blend of acceleration, toughness and lateral quickness that helped him remain among the game’s most prolific skill players.