2) [M]His anti-authority,[/M] march-to-the-beat-of-his-own-subwoofer [M]attitude struck a chord among fans[/M].
After retiring from the Seahawks following his age 29 season in 2015, Lynch is on pace to have one of the years ever for any NFL running back aged 32.
Coming out of retirement has proved to be a good decision for Marshawn Lynch.
Since Lynch’s decision to return to football in 2017 and play for his hometown Oakland Raiders, not only will he now get to play against his former team when the Raiders and Seahawks tangle on Sunday in London, but he’s also greatly enhanced his chances at eventually being elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Not only has Lynch added to his career rushing total — he has 10,334 yards, currently ranked 28th all-time, according to Pro Football Reference — the more remarkable thing is how he’s still thriving at age 32, when most running backs have long since retired.
After sitting out the 2016 season in retirement, Lynch has 331 yards this season in his second year with the Raiders, and is on pace to rush for 1,059 yards with an average of 4.3 yards per carry — right in line with his career average.
If Lynch hits that season total, it would be the third-most yards ever for a 32-year-old running back since the merger in 1970, and the fifth-most of any running back aged 32 or older. (For the record, John Riggins has the most yards for a running back 32 or older, rushing for 1,347 at age 34 in 1983).
Raiders coach Jon Gruden said in a conference call with Seattle media this week that after having watched Lynch’s career, in his former role as a TV analyst, he expected Lynch to continue to play well in what is now his 11th season in the NFL.
“Nothing surprising regarding his age,’’ Gruden said. “He’s as advertised.