Marshawn Lynch on Super Bowl call: I was expecting the ball
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch expected to receive the ball on a crucial play with less than a minute to go in the Super Bowl, according to an ESPN.com report.
Lynch initially did not address reporters after the Seahawks 28-24 loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl 49, in which Seattle, trailing by four on second down from the one-yard line, opted for a quick Russell Wilson pass instead of a run to the prolific Lynch.
New England intercepted the pass, sealing the Patriots' win.
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On Sunday, Lynch spoke publicly about the play call on a television show in Turkey, where he and Carolina Panthers' Deangelo Williams were representing the American Football Without Barriers program.
"To be honest with you, I would be lying if I didn't tell you that I was expecting the ball. Yes, I was expecting the ball. But in life, these things happen. Like I told a reporter after the game, it's a team sport," he said in the interview.
"I had no problem with the decision of the play calling. I mean, you know, I think it was more of a ... how do I say this? When you look at me, and you let me run that ball in, I am the face of the nation. You know, MVP of the Super Bowl, that's pretty much the face of the nation at that point of time.
"I don't know what went into that call. I mean, maybe it was a good thing that I didn't get the ball. I mean, you know, it cost us the Super Bowl. I mean, I have full ... I have full confidence in my teammates to execute that plan because we've done it so many more times. But would I love to had the ball in? Yes, I would have.
The Seahawks reportedly offered Lynch a 'huge' contract extension just hours before the Super Bowl. The free agent is reportedly considering retirement, however, and has not made up his mind about whether he'll sign with another team.
In 2014, Lynch ran for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns to help lead Seattle to its second consecutive Super Bowl.
- Will Green
