Some of the world’s best athletes have famously called off retirements.
In American sports, Michael Jordan and Brett Favre are two of the many examples of flip-flopping decision-makers with legendary statuses.
When Marshawn Lynch walked away from the NFL before last season, riding off into the sunset to pursue other interests, it might not have been a permanent move.
According to one of his former coaches, he’s strongly considering a comeback.
Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks told reporters that he spoke with Lynch about 10 days ago and learned about his current mindset.
"He came through the office and had a good visit," Carroll said Wednesday. "I know that he is somewhat entertaining the thought of it. I can't tell you how strong it is. You've got to talk to him."
While Lynch has been linked to the Oakland Raiders franchise when rumors swirled stating that there was some mutual interest, it’s important to note that if he was granted reinstatement, he would be under contract with Seattle for two more years.
Therefore, decisions would have to be made by the franchise if he decides to return. Since they signed Eddie Lacy and have a lot of depth at running back, there would seemingly be no room for Lynch to receive many consistent snaps in the team’s offense.
When asked whether or not he thought Lynch could be a productive back at his age, with the time off and with all of the wear and tear he has experienced throughout his career, Carroll responded:
"I don't know. It depends on how he's approached this offseason. He looked OK. The mentality that it takes to play this game the way he plays this game, he has to really be invested and ready because he goes deep when he plays. Whether or not that's still in him, the burn is still there, I couldn't tell that from talking to him. I know that he was playing with the idea.”
In his nine-year NFL career, Lynch amassed 9,112 rushing yards and 74 rushing touchdowns (83 total) on 4.3 yards per carry. In 45 games with the Buffalo Bills to start his career, he averaged 61.4 yards per game and had 17 rushing touchdowns.
However, his career took off in Seattle, as he quickly became one of the most fearsome backs in the entire NFL, averaging 77.4 yards on the ground in 82 games along with 57 rushing touchdowns. He was one of the main reasons that Seattle appeared in two Super Bowls during his time with the team, winning one of them.
In 2015, Lynch was limited to just seven games (due to the injury that led to his retirement). In those contests, he was limited to 417 yards with three touchdowns on 3.8 yards per carry.
If he decides to make a comeback, "Beast Mode" will be activated once again and one of the most widely-loved NFL players in recent memory will be back before our very eyes on Sunday afternoons.