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The decision to not give the ball to Marshawn Lynch on the last offensive play of Super Bowl XLIX is one of the most controversial and talked about coaching decisions in recent NFL history.
With less than a minute left in the game and the ball on the one-yard line, the Seattle Seahawks were trailing the New England Patriots 28-24.
Many people expected the Seahawks to give the ball to Lynch, one of the best running backs in the NFL, and an unstoppable force around the endzone, to attempt to score the game-winning touchdown.
However, instead of running the ball, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson attempted a pass, which was intercepted by Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler, basically ending the game and giving the Patriots the victory.
8 years ago today – #Seahawks QB Russell Wilson threw a pick to #Patriots CB Malcolm Butler on the goal-line in SB49 with seconds left in the game.
The INT preserved a 28-24 Pats lead following Tom Brady's 4th TD on the day against the Legion of Boom.pic.twitter.com/Eth97AmAK0
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 1, 2023
The exact reason why the Seahawks chose to throw the ball instead of running it with Lynch has never been fully explained by the coaching staff or players.
However, some speculation suggests that the Seahawks wanted to make Russell Wilson the “Hero” of the game by throwing a touchdown, instead of simply running it in.
Regardless of the reasoning, the decision to pass the ball instead of giving it to Lynch has been widely criticized by fans and analysts alike, and it was debated for many years to come.
Marshawn Lynch Opens Up About The Call
On the I AM Athlete Podcast, Marshawn Lynch has spoken publicly about the controversial decision not to give him the ball on the last offensive play of Super Bowl XLIX: “Only thing I could do is think ‘I need to get in (Pete Carroll’s) face.'”
“We at the peak of our careers, with the opportunity to go head and start a dynasty, and then we fumbled the bag on the two yard line.”
Marshawn Lynch opens up about not getting the ball in the most pivotal moment of Super Bowl XLIX:
“We at the peak of our careers, with the opportunity to go head and start a dynasty, and then we fumbled the bag on the two yard line.”
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— I AM ATHLETE (@IAMATHLETEpod) February 18, 2023
In an interview with Sports Illustrated in 2015, Lynch said, “I mean, I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that I was expecting the ball. Yes, I was expecting the ball. But in life, these things happen.”
Despite the disappointment of not getting the ball on that play, Lynch has continued to have a successful career and remains a fan favorite for his hard-nosed running style and colorful personality both on and off the field.