The Athlete Lifestyle logo

Why ex-NFL star Marshawn Lynch is photographer at Canelo-Crawford fight

You wouldn’t expect to see the former Seattle Seahawks Pro Bowl running back as a credentialed photographer.
Matt Ryan|
Jan 27, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Marshawn Lynch at a press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Jan 27, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Marshawn Lynch at a press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Marshawn Lynch spent 12 seasons in the NFL and is most known for his time with the Seattle Seahawks where ”Beast Mode” helped lead the team to its first Super Bowl win in 2014. So why is the former NFL star working as a photographer for the big Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada?

Lynch made nearly $57 million in his NFL salaries alone and has transitioned to making appearances in movies and shows, including several roles in 2025. He has plenty of money.

Lynch first appeared on the sidelines of a preseason game shooting photos of the Seahawks and the Las Vegas Raiders — two teams he played for. Ironically, his former coach Pete Carroll is now the head coach of the Raiders.

RELATED: Angel Reese towers over Terence Crawford in locker room before Canelo Álvarez fight

Marshawn Lync
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

On Saturday night, Lynch went to the home of the Raiders for the super fight and was seen once again capturing big moments like Alvarez’s arrival.

RELATED: Canelo’s wife Fernanda outshines Sofía Vergara before Terence Crawford fight

And ringside:

So why is he doing it? Simply put, it’s his passion.

He’s not the first athlete — or Seattle athlete for that matter — to work as a professional photographer. Seattle Mariners star Randy Johnson and most recently his teammate Ken Griffey Jr. has worked as one. Griffey, in fact, took one of the most viral photos of Rory McIlroy at the 2025 Masters.

Good for Marshawn living out his dream for a second career. Hopefully, he captures some iconic moments tonight.

— Enjoy free dish of rich and fabulous players with The Athlete Lifestyle on SI —

Say what?!: Bill Belichick, gf Jordon Hudson age difference in spotlight for UNC season

Speaking of: Bill Belichick’s gf Jordon Hudson flexes UNC full-length coat blowing kiss

Plus won: Ciara turns heads in ‘lady in red’ fit with Russell Wilson’s QB1 status teetering

Real or not?: Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers mystery wife deepens with Jets WAGs takes

SEC First Daughter: Lane Kiffin’s daughter Landry rocks white-out Ole Miss crop-top fit

Published
Matt Ryan
MATT RYAN

Matt Ryan is a dedicated sports journalist with over 20 years of experience in digital and linear media. After receiving a Masters in Journalism from USC, he’s worked for Fox Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo Sports, USA Today Sports Media Group, and Bally Sports, while holding various leadership roles along the way.

Home/Business