During the build-up to the Super Bowl, the NFL hosts media days, allowing media personnel to interview players and coaches from each team playing in the big game. One famous mishap from this week, in recent memory, was former Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch and his response to various questions being, “I’m here so I don’t get fined.”
For years, the NFL world did not know exactly why Lynch said this. That is until he went onto the I Am Athlete Podcast.
“The fines started accumulating from seasons before. It got to a pretty penny. $1.2 million for just not talkin’ to the media,” Lynch said via the podcast.
By not talking to the media, Lynch became a risk of not showing up to his scheduled media day appearance. Thus, the league threatened to fine him $500,000 if he didn’t talk to the media.
In the build-up to Super Bowl XLIX, Lynch would show up to his planned appearance in front of the media. The running back was asked several questions, but gave essentially the same answer to each question.
That answer was: “I’m here so I don’t get fined,” or variations of that response.
How was Marshawn Lynch’s Super Bowl?
Lynch played lights out during the big game. He was the leading rusher on either team during the game.
He went for 102 yards on the ground, with an additional 31 receiving yards, and a rushing touchdown.
With mere seconds remaining and the Seahawks on the goal line, preparing to punch in the game-winning TD, Lynch seemed poised for a second rushing score in the game. In doing so, placing himself firmly in the Super Bowl MVP race.
However, the Seahawks decided to pass the ball in that situation. Quarterback Russell Wilson got intercepted by undrafted rookie Malcolm Butler.
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