Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch Confirms Retirement

After tweeting an ambiguous photo of cleats hanging from a telephone wire the day of Super Bowl 50, indicating his probably-imminent retirement, Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch has confirmed that he won’t be returning to the NFL.

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch Confirms Retirement

In an interview with 60 Minutes Sports, airing Tuesday, Lynch, 30, dispelled rumors of his possible return. More specifically, he denied the speculation that he could play for his hometown Oakland Raiders.

Following the aforementioned Twitter photo, there has been much speculation throughout the offseason that Lynch might soon retire. The Seahawks placed him on the reserve/retired list in May, meaning the team would retain his rights if Lynch decided to return.

“No, I’m done. I’m done,” the former RB said. “I enjoyed my time playing, now it’s time to watch my cousins do they thing.”

Even Lynch’s agent, Doug Hendrickson, didn’t seem to initially say straight out that his client was done for good. “With Marshawn, I’ll never say never,” said Hendrickson.

“Well, I know, I think if you could write the perfect story as far as the last year of his career, if he played, come back to Oakland, it makes sense right? But the reality is, look, he told me he’s done,” Hendrickson added.

Lynch has yet to formally file his retirement papers, but was adamant when repeatedly asked about a possible return.

“I’m retired,” Lynch said. “Is that good enough? Which camera do you want me to look into? This one? I’m done. I’m not playing football anymore.”

Lynch would have counted $11.5 million against the salary cap if he had remained on Seattle’s roster for 2016. The Seahawks will save $6.5 million with his retirement. The team selected three running backs in this year’s NFL draft: C.J. Prosise, Alex Collins and Zac Brooks.

Lynch has spent the offseason promoting his clothing line, traveling to Egypt to participate in a football camp, and doing relief work in Haiti. He played nine seasons in the NFL and six with the Seahawks. He’s second all-time in Seattle history for rushing touchdowns and fourth in yards rushing. He tied for the NFL lead in rushing touchdowns in 2013 and 2014 and is No. 8 all-time in total yards rushing during the postseason. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills as the 12th overall pick in 2007 after playing collegiately at California. The five-time Pro Bowler (2008, 2011–2014) went on to win Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seahawks against the Denver Broncos in 2014.

The full interview with Lynch will air on Tuesday’s episode of 60 Minutes Sports on Showtime.

SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 22: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks warms up prior to playing the San Francisco 49ers in their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 22, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)