Sunday's rather boring, defensive Super Bowl needed a spark. It needed some Beast Mode. And that's what the game got -- maybe for the last time.
During the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 24-10 victory over the Panthers, Marshawn Lynch sent out a tweet that overshadowed most Super Bowl-related social media posts. The picture makes the strong suggestion that Lynch is retiring from the NFL.
— Shawn Lynch (@MoneyLynch) February 8, 2016
Rumors spread earlier in the weekend that Lynch told close friends he would retire. The Seahawks running back is an Oakland native, who bounced around parties and other pre-Super Bowl events for the past week.
Lynch deflected the speculation when one fan asked him directly.
The Seahawks organization, and his teammates, essentially confirmed Lynch's retirement with a series of tweets:
#ThankYouBeastMode https://t.co/kD4CvizhGT
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) February 8, 2016
Honor playing with one of the best running backs of all time! Going to miss sharing the backfield with you 24... #BeastMode @MoneyLynch
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) 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
— Jimmy Graham (@TheJimmyGraham) February 8, 2016
An honor to block for this guy right here... @MoneyLynch #FutureHOF #BeastMode
— Justin Britt (@JustinBritt68) February 8, 2016
@MoneyLynch one of the best teammates and one of the best RB's to ever do it! You will be missed #BeastMode
— Cassius Marsh (@KingCash_7191) February 8, 2016
@MoneyLynch for President
— Russell Okung (@RussellOkung) February 8, 2016
— Brock Coyle (@BrockCoyle56) February 8, 2016
— Garry Gilliam Jr. (@Garry_Gilliam) February 8, 2016
Lynch's mother, Delisa, is supporting her son's decision.
When one door closes God opens another one even better thank you Jesus!!!!! pic.twitter.com/QwB7CYUorT
— Delisa Lynch (@MommaLynch24) February 8, 2016
Assuming this is it for Lynch, the 29-year-old retires after nine NFL seasons. Lynch rushed for 9,112 yards and 74 touchdowns in his career.
Lynch joins Calvin Johnson as NFL stars age 30 or younger to announce their retirement in their apparent primes this past week.