Marshawn Lynch Retirement Talk Sparked by Seahawks GM's Latest Comments

The Seattle Seahawks seemingly want running back Marshawn Lynch back in the fold next season and beyond, but it remains unclear if the enigmatic star plans on continuing his NFL career.   

According to SI.com, Seahawks general manager John Schneider revealed Tuesday on ESPN 710 Seattle that Lynch's future is up in the air at this point.

"Whether or not he wants to play next year, I can't answer that," Schneider said. "I don't know if he knows at this juncture. I think he needs to find out where he's at and if he wants to—It's hard for these guys. It's a long season. We've played lot of football these last two years."

Liz Mathews of 710 ESPN and Jayson Jenks of The Seattle Times passed along more comments from Schneider on Lynch:

This news comes on the heels of Pro Football Talk reporting something similar from a source close to Lynch last week:

ESPN's Terry Blount also had a take from former Seahawk Michael Robinson:

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After speaking with Lynch, Robinson said Lynch also is considering retiring because of the toll that eight years of his physical running style has taken on his body. Robinson doesn't think Lynch's decision is about money, although the Seahawks have indicated they would be willing to extend his contract.

"I don't think it factors in too much," Robinson said, "but obviously this is a business. With the running back position being so devalued, I think he wants to be paid like the heartbeat of the team, which he should be.

"He knows that he has the leverage. He knows that he's the best back in the league. He knows he's a difference maker not only on the field but off the field."

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The 28-year-old veteran is coming off one of his best seasons, as he ran for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns in the regular season while adding a career-high 318 rushing yards in the playoffs.

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

If Lynch decides to continue playing, then the Seahawks have every intention of extending his contract, per Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times:

While most running backs tend to break down as they approach the age of 30, Lynch is seemingly getting better. The five-time Pro Bowler is an absolute workhorse, and it can be argued that he is the biggest key to the Seahawks' offensive success.

Lynch has already accomplished a great deal in his career, including winning a Super Bowl with the Seahawks during the 2013 season. If he walks away from the game, though, it will undoubtedly leave a massive void in Seattle.

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