Talent has never been a question for Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, but for the most part, he was known only for that. Now he’s not only become extremely popular for his off-field antics, but has taken a page out of teammate Richard Sherman‘s book.
Suggesting Lynch to be the “new” Sherman isn’t a slight in the least bit and they’re not completely identical as they’ve created their media persona’s in different ways. Richard Sherman became the loud mouth, over-the-top pot stirrer while Lynch has done a complete reversal and made himself a commodity because he won’t speak.
It was one thing when Marshawn Lynch began giving the NFL grief last season, but he’s upped the ante considerably this year, continually defying their threats. There are the occasional slaps on the wrist that get his attention, much like the one where he would have possibly been ejected from the NFC Championship for wearing custom gold cleats. But for the most part, he does what he wants, when he wants, much like Sherman.
Also like Richard Sherman, Lynch went from a Pro Bowl talent to a Pro Bowl marketing asset. Take Frank Gore of the San Francisco 49ers for instance. Is Marshawn Lynch any more talented than Gore, who became the 49ers all-time leading rusher? You need some skill (and longevity) to accomplish such, yet, where are Frank Gore’s commercials? Where are Frank Gore’s endorsements? Sure, he might do a local car advertisement or possibly even a promo shoot for an athletic company, but he didn’t have every single person at media day during his Super Bowl appearance surrounding him like Marshawn Lynch (or Richard Sherman) did.
The NFL continues to go after Lynch for ticky-tack items (much like wearing his own hat) but it’s all a smart ploy. From what he wears to what he says (or better yet, doesn’t say) to what he eats, Marshawn Lynch has turned himself into an empire, exactly like Richard Sherman has done.
They weren’t getting in the public eye on talent alone – they were just typical Pro Bowl caliber players before that. There’s nothing wrong with that, but those are just football players. Now? They’re their own brand the money that comes with such is well worth pissing off the NFL.
