NFL teams
Terry Blount, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Ex-Hawk: Lynch unsure what to do

NFL, Seattle Seahawks

Former Seattle Seahawks fullback Michael Robinson spoke with Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch and confirmed that Lynch isn't sure whether he wants to continue playing.

"My bet would be that he plays next year in Seattle," Robinson said Thursday during a 710 ESPN Seattle radio interview. "I don't think Marshawn knows yet. I don't know what the timeline is. It's probably going to be a feel thing, and we'll just see like everybody else."

Lynch, 28, held out of training camp last summer for eight days before getting changes in the structure of his contract, which has one year remaining at $7 million in 2015.

"I don't think he knew whether he was going to play last year until almost training camp," Robinson said. "Marshawn is getting to a point in his life where he may want to enjoy other things that are important to him."

After speaking with Lynch, Robinson said Lynch also is considering retiring because of the toll that eight years of his physical running style has taken on his body. Robinson doesn't think Lynch's decision is about money, although the Seahawks have indicated they would be willing to extend his contract.

"I don't think it factors in too much," Robinson said, "but obviously this is a business. With the running back position being so devalued, I think he wants to be paid like the heartbeat of the team, which he should be.

"He knows that he has the leverage. He knows that he's the best back in the league. He knows he's a difference-maker not only on the field but off the field."

So will he return?

"C'mon, man, it's Marshawn," Robinson said, meaning one never knows for certain what Lynch is thinking. "Has he had enough football? You can't ask him that right after the season because your body is telling you yes. Right now you just have to let him wait it out, see how the offseason goes, let him get his body right again and then you will see if he wants to come back or not."

Robinson retired from the NFL after last season at age 30.

^ Back to Top ^