Marshawn Lynch’s Kraken ownership, explained: Former Seahawks star’s role with NHL expansion franchise
From the gridiron to the rink.
Marshawn Lynch did a lot for the city of Seattle playing football, and now he might do a lot on the ice: On April 18, news broke that Lynch, former Seahawks running back, is now a minority investor of the Seattle Kraken, alongside rapper Macklemore.
A deal that had been in the works since last summer, Lynch was named as part investor of the NHL’s newest franchise on Monday, where he is planning to continue to give back to the community.
Apparently, that news sent Lynch spinning — quite literally. Video surfaced of Lynch taking a joyride in a Zamboni at Kraken practice recently.
Now that this has been made public, I can finally share this video of Marshawn wheeling a Zamboni at the Kraken practice facility. What a legend. https://t.co/MZLDnqdcsO pic.twitter.com/PmVewcE1tm
— Brian Cobb (@brianrcobb) April 18, 2022
If that video looks eerily familiar, that’s because it shares some similarities to a famed 2006 incident when the then-Cal running back took a medical cart for a ride during a game.
13 years ago, Marshawn Lynch took a training cart for a spin 😂 pic.twitter.com/2hEZ5bR1T0
— ESPN (@espn) October 21, 2019
Here’s what you need to know about Lynch’s role with the team:
Marshawn Lynch’s Kraken role, explained
ESPN reports that Lynch is planning to use his standing as investor of the Kraken to get more involved in the Seattle community, as well as learning the ropes as a member of management.
The former NFL running back has been known for his work in improving local communities, long giving back to his hometown of Oakland, Calif., as well as Seattle, where he spent seven years of his NFL career.
Marshawn in Hawaii passing out free turkeys 🙏
Legend. @brgridiron
(via @RobDeMelloKHON) pic.twitter.com/AVSWgWUYxc
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 24, 2020
Lynch is planning on focusing on the Hockey Is for Everyone campaign, the NHL’s outreach program designed to help and bring hockey to marginalized and undeserved communities.
“This is something I never would have imagined,” Lynch said (via ESPN). “I always dreamed of playing on a professional team but owning one is something special. As I look back on some of my accomplishments. I’m [going to] continue to count my blessings.”
In addition to doing work in the community, Lynch is planning on learning the ins-and-outs of ownership, as well.
“He’s intrigued with the idea of what’s it’s like to be an owner and the business side and the financing,” Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke said.
Lynch, who retired from the NFL following the 2019 NFL season, was a member of the 2013 Super Bowl-winning Seahawks squad. He also spent time with the Bills and the Raiders in his career.
The former running back also owns a bar and restaurant, named Rob Ben’s, in Emeryville, Calif.