Why Peter King Believes Marshawn Lynch Has Pro Football Hall of Fame Case

The reportedly retired Marshawn Lynch is going out his way -- that is, if he is done with football.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported last Wednesday that the 33-year-old running back is calling it quits for the second time in three seasons. Since then, Lynch hasn't said a word regarding his retirement, marking another chapter in the Book of Beast Mode. 

If Lynch is indeed retiring, will the Oakland native one day hear his name called at the Pro Football Hall of Fame? NBC Sports' Peter King examined Lynch's case Monday in his latest Football Morning in America column.

Starting with the stats, King notes Lynch is 29th on the all-time rushing list. There are currently 32 running backs in the Hall of Fame. The former Raiders running back's total of 10,379 rushing yards is fewer than 15 Hall of Fame backs and more than the 17 others who are enshrined. 

But King notes that he values impact more than just stats, and Lynch had a huge impact on his teams and the NFL at his peak. Kings believes Lynch was the most impactful running back in the league from 2011 through 2014, where he averaged 4.53 yards per carry, 1,339 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns per season. 

Lynch also showed up in the biggest moments. In 11 career playoff games, he's averaged 4.9 yards per carry and scored nine rushing touchdowns. 

For his combination of worthy stats, impact and signature plays, King believes Lynch has a strong case to get a call from the Hall. 

[RELATED: How Raiders landed Josh Jacobs in 2019 NFL Draft]

"When Lynch's case comes up in 2024, I think he has a good chance at a bust in Canton," King wrote.

From Oakland Technical High School to Canton, Ohio, a bust of Beast Mode will be a sight to behold. 

Contact Us