How to Translate “Marshawn Speak”

Marshawn Lynch seems at first glance to be an acquired taste. But if you break it down, and find what Marshawn is all about, it's not hard to understand him and his enduring (and endearing) popularity.

When Marshawn first arrived in Seattle, reporters seemed to have a hard time with him. They wanted to ask football questions or personal questions to stir the pot. Before Super Bowl XLIX, one reporter asked, "Why do you have to be a jerk to all of us." Of course, this was the infamous "You know why I'm here" press conference. The day before, Marshawn made headlines for the "I'm just here so I won't get fined" press conference.

Since his retirement(s) and unretirement(s), reporters have changed their attitude and approach toward Marshawn. They've finally figured out that the man just wants to live his life and to live it his way. In a world of "I have to give my teammates credit" and "It was a great team win. We knew we had to give it 100%," Marshawn is finally seen as the national treasure he is.

• "I'm just 'bout that action, boss." - "Actions speak louder than words."

• "I know I'm gon' get got. But I'm gon' get more than I get got though." - "You win some, you lose some."

• "I lost one, I had to R.I.P. one, you know what I’m saying?" - "I had to cut my losses and move on."

• "Trying to restore my community." - "I'm spending Christmas giving out turkeys to people of need in my childhood neighborhood."

      For context on that last quote, I found this great video you may not have seen of in-game banter between Richard Sherman and Marshawn Lynch regarding Christmas plans.

[Highlight] Marshawn Lynch and Richard Sherman discussing Christmas plans from r/nfl

We hope that Marshawn has great success wherever he goes next season. If it's back to retirement, it's more than deserved. If it's back to the Seattle Seahawks, we will cherish every interview, soundbite, and touchdown.