Ex-Seahawk Michael Robinson unsure whether Marshawn Lynch will retire
Former Seattle Seahawks fullback Michael Robinson said on Thursday that running back Marshawn Lynch could be considering retirement.
In an interview with ESPN 710 Seattle, Robinson said he doesn't think Lynch has made up his mind about retirement. Robinson played for the Seahawks from 2010-13 and is close with Lynch.
Lynch will turn 29 in April and has played eight NFL seasons.
"I don’t know," Robinson said. "I don't think Marshawn knows yet.
"I don't know what a timeline is. I would guess that Marshawn doesn't even really know what a timeline is. It's probably going to be a feel thing, and we'll just see like everybody else."
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Last season, Lynch rushed 280 times for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Seahawks made their second straight Super Bowl, losing to the New England Patriots earlier this month despite 102 yards and a touchdown from Lynch.
Lynch had a contentious relationship with the NFL this season, drawing fines for refusing to speak with media and making gestures deemed inappropriate during games.
Asked why he thinks Lynch is considering retirement, Robinson mentioned the physical toll of Lynch playing a full postseason on top of the regular season as well as Lynch's off-field endeavors. Lynch has spoken about his desire to build a youth center for kids in Oakland, Calif., his hometown.
"Has he had enough football? You can't ask him that right after the season because you're body is telling you yes," Robinson said. "I think right now, you just kind of got to let him wait it out, let him see how the offseason goes, let him get his body feeling right again. And then you will see whether he wants to come back or not."
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Robinson also appeared on NFL Total Access on NFL Network on Wednesday. He said that while he doesn't know what Lynch is thinking about retirement, Lynch's relationship with the Seahawks is highly important to him.
"I don't think anyone knows exactly what he's thinking," Robinson said, according to ProFootballTalk.com. "But what I do know is that the guys in that locker room mean the world to him. What I do know is that he's the best running back in National Football League. And what I also know is he is under contract next year."
Lynch is due a $5 million base salary in 2015, the last on the four-year, $30 million contract he signed with Seattle in 2012.
- Mike Fiammetta
