[Hacksaw]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap300000 ... sf20549097

Marshawn Lynch retires

Although Lynch offered no official announcement, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per two sources informed of his plans, that the Seahawks have been informed of the 29-year-old power back's intention to retire.

The news comes as no surprise. Embroiled in contract squabbles, Lynch has weighed retirement in each of the past two offseasons.

Seahawks general manager John Schneider acknowledged two weeks ago that Lynch was leaning toward calling it a career after a disappointing, injury-ravaged season in which he was outplayed by impressive rookie Thomas Rawls.

It was just a year ago that Lynch was drawing raves as the best running back in football after leading the league in rushing touchdowns for two consecutive seasons.

The driving force on one of the best rushing attacks of the 21st century, Lynch was also the tone-setter for the most successful era in franchise history.

The Seahawks have long been blessed with dynamic running backs, from Curt Warner in the 1980s, through Chris Warren and Ricky Watters in the 1990s to Shaun Alexander last decade. Even if Alexander's Seattle peak lasted longer, Lynch offered more memorable moments, highlighted by his famous "Beast Quake" breakthrough in a playoff upset over the Saints.

As a colorful character and the most consistently productive postseason power back of his generation, Lynch will present an interesting Hall of Fame case despite his relatively short career.

[snackdaddy]

The beginning of the demise for the seahags. The window is starting to close on them. The dynasty that never was.

[Hacksaw]

Close so many times but agreed, The NFCW might now be a 2 horse race. Next team waiting for the down elevator,, AZ.

[Neil039]

Oh to have a Top Ten QB on the Rams right now...it would be so sweet!

[trueblue&gold]

I do not think we are going to see that much of a drop off with their Offense, Rawls came in this year and had a good showing. Is he Lynch? No but I think the offense was evolving away from that power rushing attack anyways. This is Wilson's team and the offense will definitely continue to run through him. Last year's decision to throw instead of run to win the game proves that and this year the same theme was carried throughout the season. This is still a tough team.

[Hacksaw]

And we beat them twice. Beastmode made a huge difference imo. Rawls is good but not a Beast.

[Stranger]

The beginning of the demise for the seahags. The window is starting to close on them. The dynasty that never was.

Just in time for the rise of the Ram

[The Gemini Method]

I don't think, with that front office, that the Seahawks are done. Lynch' production had dwindled this year with his litany of injuries and the ascension of both Russell Wilson and Thomas Rawls. Granted, he might not reach the pinnacle of Lynch but in this era of football the RB position is not as important as it once was. Todd Gurley is definitely a possible superstar but you're seeing how the NFL has evolved at least from an offensive standpoint. The Broncos won with 2 Qbs that had more interceptions than TDs. The old adage of defense wins championships continues to hold true. The Seahawks in 2013 and the Broncos this year. It bodes well for the Rams if they can continue to build the offense and keep the defensive nucleus together. Donald and Quinn anchoring that front 7 gives them probably the best DL in football.

You have to tip your cap for Marshawn Lynch. He was the catalyst for the Seahawks recent success until this year. I see him as a throwback to the Earl Campbell days where he was hell to bring down. Props to him. He struck fear in defenses for the latter part of his career. If this is the last of Lynch in the NFL then he deserves some praise for him being an integral part of the NFC West.

[Elvis]

Welcome aboard Gemini, and i have to agree.

As much as i'd like to kick Seattle on the way down, Russell Wilson just had his best season yet...

[dieterbrock]

To think, if Carroll didn't call the stupidest pass play of all time, he could have ridden of in to the sunset on a consecutive SB win roll