Marshawn Lynch
 

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.


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.


Repost @bleacherreport: Marshawn Lynch had the perfect response when asked if he's coming back next season. (via @TMZ_TV)

A video posted by Sports Videos (@houseofhighlights) on

The Seahawks organization, and his teammates, essentially confirmed Lynch's retirement with a series of tweets:











Lynch's mother, Delisa, is supporting her son's decision.


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.

More NFL: Denver Broncos Celebrate Win Super Bowl 50 In Photos

In Past Year, Nine NFL Players Retired By 30

Patrick Willis, 30
 

Patrick Willis, 30

The 49ers linebacker retired after numerous injuries made him unable to compete at the highest level possible. At his retirement speech, Willis also expressed concern about his long-term physical health.

Maurice Jones-Drew, 29
 

Maurice Jones-Drew, 29

The star running back abruptly announced his retirement on Twitter after last season ended, saying that "All good things must come to an end." He left the game to pursue opportunities in broadcasting.

Jonathan Martin, 26
 

Jonathan Martin, 26

Better known for bringing to light a culture of bullying within the Miami Dolphins organization, Martin cited mental health and suicidal thoughts in a long Facebook post that announced his retirement. He did, however, mention that the physical risks of playing football created even more incentive to walk away.

John Carlson, 30
 

John Carlson, 30

After spending his career with the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals, Carlson retired abruptly after the 2014 season. He didn't offer a reason for walking away, but Carlson's career was marred by head injuries, including three concussions in the NFL and at least two head injuries in college.

Jason Worilds, 27
 

Jason Worilds, 27

The linebacker walked away from football right when he was set to earn at least $15 million in new contract money. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Worilds left football to work for the Jehovah's Witnesses.

Jake Locker, 26
 

Jake Locker, 26

Previously the starting quarterback for the Tennessee Titans, Locker quit an injury-plagued NFL career, saying simply, "I no longer have the burning desire necessary to play the game for a living."

Chris Borland, 24
 

Chris Borland, 24

After earning a starting spot in San Francisco's defense, Borland quit after his rookie season, citing concerns about head injuries and the violence of the game.

Calvin Johnson, 30
 

Calvin Johnson, 30

Johnson has reportedly informed the Lions he will retire from the game, citing football's wear and tear on his body.

Anthony Davis, 25
 

Anthony Davis, 25

The 49ers offensive lineman had a weird exit from the NFL, saying he would eventually return but terming his hiatus a "retirement." In a statement, he wrote: "This will be a time for me to allow my Brain and Body a chance to heal."

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