Marshawn Lynch ran for over 12,000 all-purpose yards in the NFL and scored more than 90 touchdowns. Turns out, he just didn't enjoy running that much.
Appearing on the Men in Blazers podcast, Lynch was asked about the possibility of playing for Seattle Sounders FC. His answer was straightforward: he hated running. For a man who built a Hall of Fame-caliber career on dragging defenders down the field, it's a response that lands differently the more you think about it.
It also makes a kind of sense. NFL running backs get a huddle, a play call, and a few seconds of chaos before it stops again. Soccer asks you to press, track back, hold shape, and cover ground for 90 minutes with three substitutions to share between the whole squad. That's a completely different physical demand — one Lynch apparently had zero interest in signing up for.
Lynch showing up for the USMNT
Whatever his feelings about the sport's fitness requirements, Lynch has been showing up as a fan during the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil. He was at SoFi Stadium on June 12 for the USMNT's opening group game against Paraguay, where he spoke about the experience of different fan cultures colliding in the stands.
Then on Friday, he was back in Seattle to watch the USA beat Australia 2-0 — the city's adopted son getting a Jumbotron moment and a shoutout from the Brazilian commentator in the booth. The crowd responded accordingly.
The USMNT, already through to the Round of 32 as the first team confirmed at this World Cup, wraps up group play against Turkey on June 25 at SoFi Stadium. Lynch will presumably be watching. Just don't ask him to lace up and play.
