NFL: Lynch Second Retirement May Not Be For Keeps

Marshawn Lynch has reportedly retired for the second time after playing 11 NFL seasons. He missed 10 games last NFL season due to a groin injury and the word out is that the Oakland Raiders were actually headed in a different direction and look for young and top prospects in free agency and the 2019 NFL Draft.

Lynch, who just turned 33, is reportedly not planning to play football again. This will actually be his second time to retire, having done so back in 2016 when he was still with the Seattle Seahawks. Incidentally, he helped that team win its first Super Bowl in 2013, defeating the Denver Broncos 43-8.

After retiring in 2015, it did not take long for Lynch to consider springing back to action. At the time, he said that he was inspired to come out of retirement with and play for the Raiders before its big move to Las Vegas. After passing a physical, a trade between the Seahawks and the Raiders materialized. Lynch signed a two-year deal in 2017 and the rest is history.

From the way Lynch came out of retirement to suit up for the Raiders, it may take something special to entice him to unretire once again. But seeing how his age (33) is a bit old for a running back, the most logical scenario is to see him focus on something else other than playing actual football, TMZ Sports reported.

As things stand now, Lynch has already accomplished a lot in the NFL to position himself as one of the legends of the game. He has racked up 10,379 rushing yards and also 93 touchdowns.

As of this writing, Lynch's retirement remains unofficial. In fact, even his mother is still clueless about what his son plans to do. But if one is to look at the Raiders moves, it seems to indicate that Oakland is moving on without the five-time Pro Bowler.

The Raiders showed keen interest on Le'Veon Bell before he ended up signing with the New York Jets. They signed Isaiah Crowell instead and is likely to return as a backup or a starter, Forbes reported. If not from the current crop of players, the Raiders could select one at the 2019 NFL Draft. Hence, the battle cry that looms right now is that Oakland is looking to beef up with younger talent.

As for Lynch, there is a slim chance he could return. But as things stand right now, it may be best for him to move on and be content with the legacy he has left.