5 reasons Marshawn Lynch should stay retired

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Nov 22, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) sits on the bench during the fourth quarter of a 29-13 Seattle victory against the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Marshawn Lynch is thinking about coming back to the NFL around Week 5. Here are five reasons he should not be about that action boss and stay retired.

Minutes before the Thursday Night Kickoff of the 2016 NFL season, it was reported by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that Marshawn Lynch may be mulling a comeback. Lynch would need about a month to get in football shape, so a Week 5 un-retirement could be on the table.

Lynch spent his nine-year NFL career between the Buffalo Bills and the Seattle Seahawks. He was a five-time NFL Pro Bowler, a six-time 1,000-yard rusher, an All-Pro in 2012 and a Super Bowl Champion with the 2013 Seahawks. While he could conceivably come back to the NFL in Week 5 in 2016, here are five reasons Lynch should stay retired.

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) on the field during the first quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

5. It negatively impacts his Pro Football Hall of Fame candidacy

A return for Lynch in 2016 would get him 10 years of NFL experience and an outside shot at 10,000 career rushing yards. While Lynch could theoretically get to 10,000 in 12 weeks (9,112 career rushing yards), a 2016 NFL comeback would actually have a negative impact on his Pro Football Hall of Fame legacy.

People best remember Lynch from his 5.5 years with the Seahawks. It would be weird to see him play for somebody else in 2016. Lynch would need to have another 1,000-yard rushing season to make the 2016 season worth it for him. He didn’t even remotely get close to that total last year (417).

Coming back in 2016 would look desperate, as he would just be chasing money and career milestones. He’s already put together a Hall of Fame worthy NFL career in just nine seasons. A 10th year would do more harm that good for his football legacy.

It would be better for Lynch to leave football a year late than to return, struggle, and make it look like his last game should have been Super Bowl XLIX. 2015 wasn’t kind to Lynch’s football legacy. He’s a borderline Hall of Famer as is. There is no reason for him to jeopardize his chances at Canton enshrinement with one more partial season.

Next: 4. He's been replaced in Seattle

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