It’s Time We View Marshawn Lynch As The Humble Man He Is
"“A man can do only what he can do. But if he does that each day he can sleep at night and do it again the next day.” – Albert Schweitzer, 20th-century German Nobel Peace Prize-winning mission doctor and theologian“There are two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit. Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there.” – Indira Gandhi, 20th-century Indian prime minister"
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When pondering the above quotes I thought of one Seattle Seahawk. He’s often misunderstood and often treated unfairly. His passion, work ethic, desire to win and even his intelligence are questioned by a group of bullying media folks. Then, when he dares to take a stand against such treatment, he’s ridiculed and told to stop his personal protest.
Of course I’m referring to the great Marshawn Lynch. I’m referring to the most powerful rusher since Earl Campbell and John Riggins. Marshawn has established himself as the Seahawk on offense who will set the tone. He does his job well and he leads by example.
The Seahawks are not this incredible NFL franchise without the man from Oakland.
Just because it’s fun, go back to the victory against Green Bay in the NFC Title game. Marshawn, in a way only he can run, bruises flesh and egos as he pounds out 22-yards for a touchdown. It’s beautiful to watch. But it’s what he does after the score that should impress even his biggest critics. He puts a stop to any kind of celebration, reminding teammates of the time remaining and the work still needing to be done.
Delisa Lynch poses for a photograph with a lucky 12. Seahawks.com
Of course Delisa, AKA “Momma Lynch”, has been a source of strength and accountability for #24. She is so proud of her son and Marshawn loves her unconditionally. After getting into some trouble early in his NFL career, it was having to explain his actions to momma Lynch that was most difficult. Since the trade to Seattle her son has smoothed out any rough edges from Buffalo. Delisa certainly played a major role in that. Thugs don’t have the capacity to be a loving son to their single parent who worked hard for her family.
Marshawn has the capacity 12s.
As described by Indira Gandhi above, Marshawn gets the job done, no credit needed. I may be the first writer to describe him like this, but Marshawn Lynch is a humble man. He’s not a thug! He’s not uneducated! He’s not a punk! Marshawn Lynch is a running back for the two-time reigning NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks. Marshawn Lynch is a winner!
Side question: Does Paul Allen laugh uncontrollably at Buffalo brass during league meetings? Maybe he sends a thank you card every January. Possibly a highlight DVD with popcorn?
It is true I was quite critical of the reported tantrum Lynch threw after Percy Harvin was traded. My belief then was that Lynch was a brat. I apologize. It just didn’t occur to me that Harvin may have been that one person around Marshawn where he could be the real Marshawn Lynch, always. If I’m correct with this, Lynch was simply feeling anxious about the personal loss. If I’m incorrect, he was a brat. But hey 12s, he’d be our brat.
To wrap up I’d like to mention Marshawn’s Fam 1st Family Foundation. Athletes are pressured to give, give, give or risk being ridiculed throughout social media. Some do the minimum to keep up appearances. This is definitely not Marshawn’s way of managing this great charity.
The purpose of Fam 1st is to assist underprivileged youth with building their academic skills and self esteem. His passion to help kids is evident. He just wants them to know they have a chance to be great, just like Beast Mode.
OK, if you’re an interviewer listen up. Educating yourself about Fam 1st, while showing respect to Marshawn for his work on the field and off can’t hurt your chances of getting some dialogue in. It’s something I’d want to talk about if I’m in his shoes. Just be careful. Lynch can sniff out BS from quite a distance. He’s dealt with his share many times from others since entering the league (cough, cough, Roger Goodell).
Besides, you really should show some contrition when approaching this future, first ballot Hall of Famer. An apology is a great start.
Go Hawks!
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