Ron: Marshawn Lynch’s lack of interest in fame is refreshing

In a rare interview with 710 ESPN Seattle’s “The Barbershop”, Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch explained why attention from the media wears on him.

KIRO Radio’s Ron Upshaw said it’s refreshing, in this day and age, to hear about someone of Lynch’s caliber avoiding the spotlight.

“I think everyone always thinks it’d be great if everybody knew your name, you get free drinks somewhere, and everyone wants your autograph, you make a lot of money,” Ron said. “I think it’s kind of refreshing to find a guy who doesn’t want fame.”

Speaking with former Seahawks teammate Marcus Trufant and his Barbershop co-hosts Terry Hollimon, and Gee Scott, Lynch opened up about his feelings on fame.

“Being in this position, I feel like I was never meant to be famous,” Lynch said. “So somebody wanting to keep tabs on me and follow my every move ain’t something that I’m into.”

It sounds like fans and media attention can sometimes be too much for the popular running back.

“For the love and the support, I appreciate that,” Lynch said. “But you know, sometimes it might get a little bit out of hand with certain people.”

Lynch said he understands that people don’t get a chance often to be around their favorite athletes, but he points out, “at the end of the day, we get up in the morning, take a shower and shave just like everybody else.”

Ron thinks that maybe we, as fans, should try from time to time to look at it from the perspective of these athletes.

“I think as fans, we could look at that and go, well maybe the hundredth time of day that you have to sign an autograph or the seventy-third time a day that somebody wants to take a selfie with you gets a little old or it’s not what you expected,” Ron said. “You want to go out and do your thing and not necessarily be this object to people.”

Fortunately, fans don’t seem to be too fazed by Lynch’s aversion to media. Ron thinks it might be one more reason we love him.

“I think it’s one of the reasons why he’s so beloved in Seattle. It’s refreshing to find someone who’s not seeking that fame all the time,” Ron said.

Do you agree?

Listen to the Marshawn Lynch interview: