The Buffalo Bills selected Lynch in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft, making him the 12th overall pick. He quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons. Lynch's ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact made him a valuable asset for the Bills. However, his time in Buffalo was not without challenges, as he faced off-field issues that led to a suspension in 2009.
In 2010, Lynch's career took a significant turn when he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks. It was in Seattle that he truly flourished, becoming a central figure in the team's offense. His aggressive running style earned him the nickname "Beast Mode," and he became famous for his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. One of the most memorable moments of his career came during the 2010 NFC Wild Card game against the New Orleans Saints, where he executed a 67-yard touchdown run that involved breaking nine tackles. This play, known as the "Beast Quake," is considered one of the greatest runs in NFL history.
Lynch's tenure with the Seahawks was marked by numerous achievements. He was selected to the Pro Bowl five times and was named an All-Pro twice. His contributions were instrumental in leading the Seahawks to two consecutive Super Bowl appearances. In Super Bowl XLVIII, Lynch played a key role in Seattle's dominant victory over the Denver Broncos, securing the franchise's first-ever championship. The following year, the Seahawks returned to the Super Bowl, but fell short against the New England Patriots in a closely contested game.
After the 2015 season, Lynch announced his retirement from professional football, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a reputation as one of the toughest running backs in the league. However, his retirement was short-lived. In 2017, Lynch returned to the NFL, signing with his hometown team, the Oakland Raiders. His return was met with enthusiasm from fans, and he continued to demonstrate his trademark power and tenacity on the field.
Lynch played two seasons with the Raiders before stepping away from the game again. Yet, in December 2019, he made another comeback, rejoining the Seahawks for their playoff run. Although his time on the field was limited, his presence provided a boost to the team and its fanbase.
Throughout his career, Lynch was known not only for his on-field exploits but also for his unique personality and media interactions. He often shied away from interviews, famously responding with "I'm just here so I won't get fined" during a Super Bowl media day. Off the field, Lynch was involved in various business ventures and community initiatives, particularly in his hometown of Oakland.
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