Get off Marshawn Lynch’s back.
Instead of talking about the fact that he has averaged 1,339 rushing yards per season during his tenure in Seattle, or that he is the only back in the league to score double-digit touchdowns each of the past four seasons, the media are fixated on his press conference answers—or lack thereof.
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RedEye contributor Evan F. Moore wrote that Lynch’s behavior is uncalled for because “beat writers who follow the Seahawks have a job to do.” On a related note, former Buffalo Bills safety and current blogger Jeff Nixon said Lynch has an obligation to promote the NFL once he signs his contract.
I could not disagree more.
Though it’s not ideal, there are other sources to turn to if you want quotes about Lynch. It might not be the most in-depth piece ever produced, but that fact is not going to stop the world from spinning.
As for Nixon’s argument, you’re not committed to promoting the league once you sign a contract. You’re committed to showing up in front of the media and speaking words, yes, but you are not committed to “promoting” the brand. That’s what the NFL’s public relations office is for.
Billy Bob Thornton hit it on the head in his acceptance speech after winning the Golden Globe for his performance on FX’s “Fargo”—a speech lauded by entertainment networks and on Twitter.
“These days you get in a lot of trouble no matter what you say,” he said. “You can say anything in the world and get in trouble—I know this for a fact. So I’m just going to say ‘thank you.’ “
That’s an expanded version of what Lynch said following Seattle’s beatdown of Carolina earlier this month. Reporters flocked around him in the locker room and he answered every question with: “I’m thankful.”
ESPN, Fox Sports and other media outlets networks bashed Lynch for his approach. In life we call that a double standard.
Lynch may be the best running back in the league. He has a knack for finding the end zone and, at least since his arrival in Seattle, he’s been healthy.
Place him outside the NFL and he’s an employer’s dream. He’s loyal to his coworkers—just ask his current and former teammates—he shows up to work every day, performs at an elite level and accepts his penalties when he gets out of line.
“I ain’t never seen no talking winning nothing,” Lynch told the NFL Network’s Deion Sanders on Tuesday.
I could not agree more, Marshawn. Your grammar needs work, but talking won’t win you Sunday’s game against New England. A deflated ball might, but not talking.
Go out, win your second ring and silence all your critics.
Jay St. Pierre is a RedEye designer and football fanatic. @jaystpierre