Marshawn Lynch does not like talking to the media, so naturally, he didn’t say much when announcing his apparent retirement during the Super Bowl — on Twitter, no less.
During the fourth quarter of the big game on Sunday, the Seahawks running back dominated the social media streams online after posting a cryptic tweet with a peace-sign emoji and a photo of cleats hanging from wires.
https://twitter.com/MoneyLynch/status/696525541826924546/photo/1
Is Lynch, who turns 30 in April and fought injuries all season, “hanging it up”? That’s what it seems like.
Earlier reports on Sunday indicated that Lynch, who leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns since 2011, was leaning toward a retirement. Lynch played a career-low seven games this year.
It’s worth noting that Lynch used Twitter to announce his retirement. NBA star Kobe Bryant did the same in November; however, he linked to a personal post on The Players Tribune that fully explained his decision.
Dear Basketball: https://t.co/KDecft6BO2 #KB20
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) November 29, 2015
Using social media is a departure from the traditional press conference that athletes organize to let the world know that they are “hanging up the cleats.”
For as much as Twitter is struggling to attract more users, it’s worth at least something when your platform enables athletes to announce such news.
Some reactions after Lynch’s tweet, including from his teammates, Seahawks owner Paul Allen, and his sponsor, Skittles:
Three Words. Lifetime. Skittles. Pension. https://t.co/dutrkYNJFF
— Skittles (@Skittles) February 8, 2016
Salute to my guy @MoneyLynch … It was an honor sharing the field with you.
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) February 8, 2016
@Seahawks Thank you @MoneyLynch for a great career as a Seahawk. So many memorable runs and quakes! #BeastMode !
— Paul Allen (@PaulGAllen) February 8, 2016
Yes, Lawd ✊? https://t.co/sQuCck5e8h
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) February 8, 2016
— Jimmy Graham (@TheJimmyGraham) February 8, 2016
"For the 3rd straight year, Marshawn Lynch has once again stolen the Super Bowl spotlight."
– Herm Edwards on #SB50
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 8, 2016
If that @MoneyLynch is indeed his retirement announcement in the middle of the Super Bowl, that's the most Marshawn Lynch thing ever.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 8, 2016
When I hear Marshawn Lynch and Calvin Johnson planning to retire, I feel genuine happiness. You've made money, save your brains, bodies …
— jeffpearlman (@jeffpearlman) February 7, 2016