Marshawn Lynch: Speaks About Last Play of Super Bowl XLIX

The man of few words has finally let out more than just a few.

No “Yeah”, “You know why I’m here” or “I’m thankful” from Seattle Seahawks star halfback Marshawn Lynch, who is currently in Turkey with fellow NFL players Gary Barnidge and DeAngelo Williams for an “American Football Without Barriers” football camp. Lynch is an evasion artist, whether it be on the field dodging defenders, or in a press conference ducking questions from reporters.

However Marshawn was friendly enough to do a lengthy interview with popular Turkish sports station NTV Spor during his time overseas, and brought no disappointment when asked about the controversial last play call of Super Bowl XLIX. The actual interview can be found here.

“To be honest with you, I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that I was expecting the ball. Yes, I was expecting the ball. But in life, these things happen” said Lynch in the interview. “Like I told a reporter after the game, it’s a team sport.”

Had Marshawn merely left his thoughts at that, it still would have been enough to generate buzz across the football world. Yet, he didn’t, and than proceeded to put the icing on the cake for all sports media outlets.

"“I had no problem with the decision of the play calling. I mean, you know, I think it was more of a … how do I say this? When you look at me, and you let me run that ball in, I am the face of the nation. You know, MVP of the Super Bowl, that’s pretty much the face of the nation at that point of time.”"

A quiet conspiracy has floated around the league that Seattle brass had purposely instructed the Seahawks to not hand Lynch the ball at the one yard line, electing to throw instead. Right up there with Sasquatch and the moon landing, this theory sounds a bit far fetched.

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) runs the ball in Super Bowl XLIX against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory

Credit

: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Yet does it really?

Win or lose, quarterback Russell Wilson is looking at a big pay day in the off-season. It’s no secret that Lynch and Seahawks management have had their fair share of scuffles. In the eyes of Seattle management, why let the trouble-maker of the team win the game for you, instead of having the so-called “Golden Child” of the team throwing the game-winning touchdown?

Had Lynch scored and Seattle had won, Marshawn would look to use that leverage in contract negotiations in a huge off-season for the eight year veteran, and rightfully so. Is it too far off the map to think football politics played a role in the last play call?

Whether the aluminum foil hat fits you or not, Seattle elected not to use Lynch on that faithful play and the rest is history. Seemingly everybody and their mother expected for Marshawn to get the carry, even “Beast Mode” himself.

“I have full confidence in my teammates to execute that plan because we’ve done it so many more times” said Lynch later on in the interview.

Shortly after the loss against the New England Patriots, Lynch simply responded by reiterating that football is a team game. Almost exactly a month later, in his comfort zone, Marshawn has decided to let some truthful opinion out on the call.

When it comes to Lynch answering questions, the feeling is similar to pulling teeth. However this time around, thanks to our Turkish friends, was different. The man who seldom speaks in public has provided a gold mine of material.

From fans and reporters everywhere we’re thankful.

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