Potential first ballot Hall of Famer tells Shannon Sharpe how ‘special’ Aaron Rodgers saved his college career

Marshawn Lynch is among the nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

The iconic Seattle Seahawks running back rushed for over 10,000 yards in a 14-year career.

Lynch discusses his college career with Shannon Sharpe

Beast Mode won the Super Bowl with the Seahawks in 2014 and infamously wasn’t handed the ball as Russell Wilson was picked off when looking to secure back-to-back triumphs a year later.

Among his achievements was a 67-yard TD run known as the Beast Quake after Seattle fans’ celebrations registered on a seismograph 100 yards from the stadium.

But Lynch’s seismic impact could have panned out very differently were it not for another man destined for Canton one day.

Aaron Rodgers was entering his second season as a starting quarterback for the California Golden Bears in 2004 when Lynch arrived as a freshman.

Beast Mode sat down with Shannon Sharpe to discuss his relationship with the New York Jets passer, who he calls the best quarterback he ever played with.

“I would’ve thought he would’ve had more Super Bowls by now, realistically,” he said on ‘Club Shay Shay’.

“Aaron Rodgers is the reason why I got my opportunity at Cal. As a freshman, it’s hard to play [get playing time].”

J.J. Arrington was the Golden Bears’ No.1 running back and rushed for over 2,000 yards that season.

Lynch recalled being given a carry in a spring game ahead of older teammates – and almost blowing his chance.

“I done went the wrong damn way,” he added.

Lynch was a beast in college with over 2,000 rushing yards

Rodgers played with Lynch in California

Wilson hands the ball off to Lynch in their Super Bowl triumph

“But this is how I know A-Rod was special,” Lynch continued.

“As A-Rod turned around and looked for me, he saw I was on the other side, A-Rod pulled the smoothest move I’ve ever seen.

“That boy turned around and handed the ball off to me backwards. He was facing the other way. Handed it off to me backwards.”

Thanks to Rodgers’ quick thinking, Lynch scored a touchdown on the play.

But he was still chewed out by the running backs coach.

He explained: “Now the head coach is coming over here but before he could even get out here to open his mouth I just hear A-Rod going, ‘No no no, that was me. That was me.’

“He really put me in the mix. He was the best quarterback I ever played with.”

Lynch’s relationship with Seattle teammate Wilson was not on the same level as his bond with Rodgers.

“I’ll take Russ and I’ll put him at quarterback and I’ll rock with him because I’ve done that,” he said.

“Can’t pick up the phone or call old boy or nothing.”

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