Marshawn Lynch Reportedly Telling Friends of Intention to Retire

Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch has reportedly told people close to him he's planning to retire after a nine-year NFL career.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Lynch's Seahawks teammates are still working on trying to get Lynch to change his mind. As of now, however, Beast Mode is leaning toward walking away.

During Super Bowl 50, Lynch Tweeted a photo of cleats hanging up, which may have been his way of announcing his retirement: 

The latest report falls in line with comments made by Seattle general manager John Schneider in late January. He said during an appearance on ESPN 710 Seattle that the team was prepared to give Lynch some time to "find his way in terms of what he wants to do" but thought he was ready to step aside, as noted by Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times.

"I'm under the impression he is leaning towards retirement," Schneider said.

Lynch, 29, appeared in only seven games during the regular season because of a core muscle injury. He didn't look like his usual powerful self even when on the field, though. It showed up in his numbers, as he averaged 3.8 yards per carry—down from 4.7 in 2014.

The Cal product previously served as one of the league's most consistent backfield options. He rushed for at least 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns in each of the prior four seasons, including 1,590 yards in 2012 and 13 touchdowns in 2014.

But the punishment Lynch took across 138 career games, including 11 postseason contests, seemed to finally take its collective toll.

It sounds like the Seahawks are going to give Lynch as much time as he needs to make an official decision. He's currently under contract for two more seasons with an expected cap hit of $11.5 million for 2016, according to Spotrac. If he keeps playing, Seattle will need to determine whether or not to keep him.

If Lynch does leave the organization, the Seahawks will likely turn to a committee, led by Thomas Rawls, to replace him. Rawls impressed by averaging 5.6 yards per carry in 13 games as a rookie this season.