Skip to content

5 most memorable Marshawn Lynch moments

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

A polarizing figure both on and off the field, Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch brought a unique blend of size, speed, and power to the NFL during his nine seasons.

As Lynch prepares to hang up his cleats for good, here are some of the most memorable moments from his time with the Seahawks.

Jan. 8, 2011: Beast Quake

During the fourth quarter of the 2011 wild-card playoff game between the Seahawks and defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints, Lynch broke through eight tackles and stiff-armed Tracy Porter en route to a 67-yard touchdown run. The response from the then-Qwest Field crowd was so intense that the nearby Pacific Northwest Seismic Network registered small tremors.

Sept. 29, 2013: "Holy catfish!"

In true "Beast Mode" fashion, Lynch ran straight through the Houston Texans defense, breaking several tackles before being brought down. The 43-yard run inspired radio announcer Steve Raible's signature catchphrase, "Holy catfish!"

Dec. 21, 2014: Beast Quake 2.0

A near replica of his 2011 Beast Quake, Lynch overpowered several would-be Arizona Cardinals tacklers on a 79-yard touchdown run, the longest of his career.

Jan. 27, 2015: "I'm just here so I won't get fined"

Lynch is a man of few words, and he makes no apologies for that. On Super Bowl XLIX Media Day, Lynch answered every question with, "I'm just here so I won't get fined" - a catchphrase he has since trademarked.

Feb. 1, 2015: Should have run the ball?

This is more of a what-if moment, and one that will likely be debated for years to come.

Trailing the Patriots 28-24 with 26 seconds remaining and facing a second-and-goal on the New England 1-yard line, the Seahawks called a pass play instead of running the ball with Lynch. Russell Wilson was picked off, sealing a victory for the Patriots.

Asked after the game if he was surprised he didn't get the ball, Lynch replied with a simple, "No." Pressed further, he said, "because football is a team sport."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox