NFL fans torn after Marshawn Lynch announces podcast with Gavin Newson
Former Super Bowl champion Marshawn Lynch is teaming up with California Governor Gavin Newsom to launch a new podcast, a surprise for NFL fans.
The 38-year-old former running back, also known as ‘Beast Mode’, will star in the show ‘Politickin’, along with the re-elected official of 56. There is talk of Joe Biden’s replacement on the 2024 list, if the American president ends his candidacy.
Lynch’s longtime agent Doug Hendrickson is reportedly close to Newsom, and the two have reportedly known each other for decades.
The podcast promises to be a platform for “conversations that need to be had” and the show will air weekly starting July 15.
iHeartMedia described the whole thing as “unexpected,” despite Newsom’s close ties to Lynch’s representative. Fans on social media couldn’t help but feel the same way.
‘Politickin’ will star California Governor Gavin Newsom (center) and former Seahawks star Marshawn Lynch (left).
Lynch, known for his uncompromising playing style and brutality, won the Super Bowl in 2014
“Marshawn Lynch with who? Come on bro, why?” someone asked on X.
“I like Beast Mode but I would never listen to a podcast with that a**hat Newsom on it,” another user wrote.
“Tell us you’re running for president in November without telling us you’re running in November…” someone else remarked.
Others, however, responded positively to the podcast’s launch. One fan posted, “I listen to pretty much anything Marshawn is in.”
Another user said, “That’s crazy,” while another fan said, “I can’t wait to hear the brilliant insights Newsom brings to the conversation.”
NFL fans were divided over the ‘unexpected’ collaboration on X, as described by iHeartRadio
According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, Newsom’s team has been working on the series for more than six months.
Lynch and the governor have reportedly been friends for years. Newsom testified for Lynch in 2013 after a drunken driving arrest. According to Politico, he personally called NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to free the Seattle Seahawks star.
Newsom, a fourth-generation San Francisco player, and Lynch, also from the Bay Area (Oakland), also discussed California’s “Skittles ban” last year, after the five-time Pro Bowler was unhappy about the ban on food additives in candy.
However, Newsom revealed that he personally informed the NFL player that he would not actually ban the candy after misinformation spread on social media.
Newsom responds during video call with Lynch during visit to Beastmode Barbershop in 2021
Lynch, a popular figure among fans for his powerful running style and brash behavior on the field, responded to every question at a press conference for Super Bowl XLIX: “I’m just here not to get fined.”
Since his retirement in 2019, the football star has been active in sports media as a commentator and analyst.
Lynch is also an investor in two indoor soccer teams and the NHL’s Seattle Kraken.
Newsom previously hosted a talk show on Current TV while he was lieutenant governor of California. He also appeared on Fox News in December to debate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.