The Curious Case of Marshawn Lynch

(wn.com)

Super Bowl week is upon us! 

In seven days over one-hundred million people will tune in to watch the Seahawks battle the Patriots* in the biggest game of the year. There is no lack of drama or buildup in any year, but this year especially has yielded some of the most interesting and controversial story lines leading up to kickoff.

Many fans know of the history of both teams: the Seahawks are attempting to repeat for the first time since the Patriots* accomplished the feat in 03-04, and the Patriots* are seeking their first title since, having lost their previous two appearances to the New York Giants. And it would be difficult to find an American unaware of the current Deflategate scandal surrounding the game. But not everyone may be familiar with the players involved in the final game of the season-- their stories, their personalities, their quirks-- and so before we begin the show, let us introduce some of the main characters in the best drama on television.

We begin with Beast Mode.

(rantsports.com)

Marshawn Lynch, running back for the Seattle Seahawks, was drafted in 2007 by the Buffalo Bills. Despite being a four-star athlete in high school, and a preliminary Heisman Trophy candidate in college, the former Cal Bear found himself in a slump in 2009. Suspended the first three games for misdemeanor weapons charges, he was eventually replaced as the starter and did not surpass 100 yards rushing during the entire season. He was eventually traded to Seattle in 2010.

Lynch has found a home in Seattle, and despite the frequent rumors that he is on the way out, his teammates and fans love him. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his 4 full seasons with the team, and lent to lore the "Beastquake"-- a 67-yard touchdown run that had fans cheering so loudly that seismic activity was recorded in the area around the stadium.

If the fans love him, the media certainly does not, as Lynch has showed a reluctance to speak with the media that has cost him over $150,000 in fines and penalties. As a result, he has adopted a "one-word answer" policy at times--  responding only with "yeah", "I'm thankful", and "thank you for asking"-- and drawn the ire of the league as well. 

His on the field actions have earned him multiple fines as well, as he has a habit of grabbing his crotch at the end of touchdown runs, a stunt which has cost him $30,000 alone. The league will be keeping a close eye on Lynch in the Super Bowl, and has announced as much, for his gestures seem as defiant as they are celebratory. 

To be fair, they are reserved for only the most exceptional scores, including Beastquake, Beastquake 2.0, and the comeback touchdown that helped defeat the Green Bay Packers just last week. 

This week all eyes will be on Lynch again, as players are contractually obligated to speak with the press on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Lynch, fresh off a $20,000 fine, has been advised to be on his best behavior by his head coach. Last year he refused to speak with most reporters, remaining silent during his appearances and hiding to avoid the spotlight in the week approaching the game. His lone interview came courtesy of Deion Sanders, who had to sneak backstage and coax the suddenly soft-spoken Lynch into answering a few questions about being there. That interview gave us another fantastic Beast Quote: "I'm just 'bout that action, Boss", and surely I am not the only one excited to see his reaction and responses during media week. 

Yes, Beast Mode is surely a sight to see on and off the field, but if I have not yet convinced you, here are five reasons (in no particular order) why the Seahawks running back has become one of my favorite players today.

1. Skittles

(sports.yahoo.com)

Marshawn Lynch loves Skittles, and frequently eats them during games as a way to keep his energy up. This has earned him endorsements, more nicknames, and the continued adoration of his fans, who have been known to shower the field with Skittles when he scores a touchdown. He also once wore a pair of Skittles cleats-- a move that earned him another $10,000 fine from the NFL. 

2. Ghost Ride the... Cart

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Born and raised in Oakland, California, Lynch has been indoctrinated with Bay Area culture. Example A is this clip from his days at UC Berkely, in which he hijacks an injury cart after the game and proceeds to go stupid doo doo dumb. 

3. He loves Applebees

Marshawn Lynch is no "larger than life" figure. He stays among the rest of us and can be spotted frequently at his two favorite places: Applebees and Dave and Busters. He enjoys a good game of Skee-Ball, and as a professional athlete he is even allowed to work the soda gun from time to time. 

4. He wears gold cleats

(cbssports.com)

Well, kind of. He at least tried to sport golden shoes in the NFC Championship last week, but the league intervened and threatened to suspend him from the game if he rocked anything but the league-approved uniform. Perhaps this explains why the under-inflated balls slipped under their noses. Lynch would appear in the uniform color cleats, but during some of his runs the astute observer could identify a unique hallmark of his shoes-- the soles were solid gold. 

5. He wears gold teeth

Ever the Bay Area ambassador, Lynch also has admitted in interview to wearing grills under his mouthpiece during games, including a diamond crusted "Beast Mode" and an emerald "Seahawks"mouthpiece. 

Beast Mode, I salute you! 

For an inside look at the life and upbringing of Marshawn Lynch, check out the E60 piece that tells his unique story here.