There has been plenty of skepticism surrounding Marshawn Lynch’s return to football.
Why is he coming back?
Is he just promoting his brand?
Asked about joining the Raiders a year ago, Lynch told Sports Illustrated, “No, I’m done. I’m done. Now it’s time to watch my cousins and all the athletes that I like watchin’. That’s what time it is for me.”
A year later, does he really want to play?
And then there’s the video of Lynch sprinting to the Raiders’ facility to sign the contract. The look on his face when he put on the Raiders helmet for the first time – like a kid in a candy shop.
One of the best images from Wednesday (via @RAIDERS). Pure joy from Marshawn. Like he's getting his first football helmet… pic.twitter.com/RLzCLLsmaB
— Raiders Beat (@RaidersBeat) April 27, 2017
Doesn’t look like a player who was ever holding out for money, does it?
Not at all.
In fact, ESPN’s Jeff Darlington quoted a source close to Lynch saying Marshawn “is coming back to dominate. I’ve never seen him this excited about anything.”
Those who know Lynch often talk about the genuine person that he is. Not always perfect, but always “real”. His addition to the Raiders feels equal parts perfect and real.
Not only do the Raiders fill a need with Lynch, the city of Oakland will return one of their own – and at a time they couldn’t need it more.
twitter: @raidersbeat
