Since [M]Lynch’s decision[/M] to return to football in 2017 and [M]play for his hometown Oakland Raiders[/M], 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.
Lynch's production on the field and rebellious approach off it spawned respect among the 12s. But would he have still been admired had he stuck around another year or two?
Drop Marshawn Lynch in the middle of Seattle, and locals would swarm like a group of would-be tacklers. They wouldn’t try to take him down, though. They’d probably just wrap their arms around one of the most iconic — and iconoclastic — athletes in the Emerald City’s history.
Beast Mode — who will take on his former team as a Raider in London on Sunday — will be forever beloved in Seattle. And it is for the following three reasons:
1) He was likely the most influential player in transforming the Seahawks into a championship-caliber franchise.
2) His anti-authority, march-to-the-beat-of-his-own-subwoofer attitude struck a chord among fans.
3) He got out just in time.
I’ve been thinking about that third reason a bit lately, because the first two are beyond well-documented.