Ranking the top 25 running backs in NFL history…
25. Marshawn Lynch
Drafted 12th overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 2007 NFL Draft out of the University of California, Berkeley, Lynch, nicknamed “Beast Mode,” burst onto the scene as a dynamic running back known for his physicality.
He signed a six-year, $18.935 million deal and earned NFL All-Rookie Team honors in 2007 with 1,115 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. In 2008, he rushed for 1,036 yards and eight scores, securing his first Pro Bowl nod.
Traded to the Seattle Seahawks midway through 2010, Lynch’s iconic 67-yard “Beast Quake” touchdown run in the playoffs against the Saints caused seismic activity from fan celebrations, marking a turning point in his career.
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From 2010 to 2015 with Seattle, Lynch earned four straight Pro Bowl selections (2011-2014) and first-team All-Pro honors in 2012 after rushing for a career-high 1,590 yards and 11 touchdowns. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2013 (12) and 2014 (13), contributing to the Seahawks’ Super Bowl XLVIII victory with 39 yards and a touchdown in the 43-8 blowout over Denver.
Lynch retired in 2016 but returned in 2017 with the Oakland Raiders, surpassing 10,000 career rushing yards that year with 891 yards and seven touchdowns, followed by 376 yards and three scores in 2018. He briefly rejoined Seattle in 2019 for the playoffs, adding three more postseason touchdowns.
Lynch’s career totals include 10,413 rushing yards on 2,214 attempts (4.7 average), 85 rushing touchdowns, 287 receptions for 2,214 yards and nine receiving touchdowns across 149 games.
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Lynch’s playing style was aggressive and punishing, often powering through defenders with a low center of gravity and explosive bursts, epitomized by his “Beast Mode” runs that dragged multiple tacklers.
Retired since 2020, Lynch remains a Seahawks icon and potential Hall of Famer.
But who ranks ahead of Lynch at No. 24 all-time?
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