— Shawn Lynch (@MoneyLynch) February 8, 2016
Dear Beast Mode,
I’m not going to lie; I did not see this coming.
Only 29 years old and leaving the league after only nine short years. In my eyes, that seems like a small amount of time, but I imagine in your eyes it is a lifetime – a lifetime of some amazing moments that your ever-faithful 12’s will not soon forget.
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After your injury, I accepted the “maybe next year” approach: an unfortunate reality, but I was willing to wait another year for another ring. In my mind, you have held the team for years, and it just did not seem right or even doable that we could go all the way without you.
I mean, who was going to literally put an entire defensive line on their back just to gain one yard? That may be a normal day for you, but not all running backs have that beast like capability.
This season was rough; There is no doubt about that. But your continual leadership and commitment to your team on and off the field is what kept us 12’s yelling at our TV for the rest of the season.
Your return seemed nothing short of a miracle for us 12’s. When even the mention of you coming back for Wild Card Weekend was released to the media, it was like Christmas in Seattle.
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“Could Lynch get us to Super Bowl 50?” “Was he going to be healthy enough to be the spark we have been missing?” “Could we turn this season around?” Those were just a few thoughts that immediately rushed into my mind.
Even though you decided in the end not to return against the Minnesota Vikings, I still had a little bit of hope that you weren’t going to let your season end in an injury.
Sitting at Bank of America Stadium and listening to the crowd, hearing the few of us that were brave enough to make the trip was something every 12th Man should hear. The cheers were filled with true thank yous for your dedication to the team and fans, even if it was for the last time.
Being able to watch you play your last game and fight through a hard loss is something that every NFL fan should be honored to have seen.
But now that the season is over, and everyone has done all of their celebrating, I want to know, what’s next for the Seattle Seahawks?
As you know, the team is filled with a mixture of young talent and veterans of the game. However, without you, the offensive line is going to need some rebuilding.
Thomas Rawls is a new fan favorite. From a 12th Man’s eyes, he is exactly the spark we will need in your absence. He is humble, quick, and shows a strong sense of willingness to learn and take leadership.
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Also, Jimmy Graham, now that the coaching staff has had a year of figuring out how to utilize him, will be a great offensive target for Russell Wilson down the field. If the New Orleans Saints can win with him, I’m confident that we can too.
And of course, there is the infamous “Legion of Boom”. After the nonstop bumps in the road this season, they will only have to get better in your absence as well.
You have inspired so many individuals on the field. It is evident that the next generation has some very big shoes to fill. But as a 12th Man for many years, I believe that you have left the team with nothing short of guidance for their future success.
I think the future for the Seahawks’ 2016 season is bright. With Rawls returning, Wilson still maintaining his health, and the Legion of Boom doing some rebuilding, the 12th Man Nation, will be back.
As a 12th Man myself, I would like to thank you personally. You have shown us 12’s what it means to support a team as if we were all one big family.
Through the blowouts, nail-biters, and heartbreaking upsets, I have been thrilled to yell at the TV Sunday after Sunday in blue and green from head to toe for the past five years. And we are honored to have had you as a player and a huge part of the 12th Man Nation.
Thank you, Marshawn Lynch.
