Panthers Legend’s Strong Stance on Marshawn Lynch As Seattle Honors Seahawks Icon With Big Award

Marshawn Lynch was perhaps the angriest runner Seattle ever had. Remember his ‘Beast Quake’ run during the NFC Wild Card Round in Jan. 2011 against the New Orleans Saints? As he went for a touchdown, Seattle fans jumped with so much excitement that it shook the ground; Quite literally! Seismologists had revealed that they noticed a small tremor on a seismograph. No wonder, when we think about Lynch, we see images of defenders hanging off him like ornaments. He quite literally bulldozed defenses, broke tackles, and stiff-armed opponents into oblivion.

But one name stands out even among his toughest opponents: Luke Kuechly. The former Panthers linebacker recently shared his candid take on Lynch. And it reminded us why both players are etched in NFL lore.

Kuechly appeared on the ‘Up & Adams’ show on January 25. When asked about the toughest player he faced, he replied without hesitation:

“I think the toughest guy that I played against was Marshawn. I think hands down. Big, physical, strong, big waist, strength, ability to change directions laterally and then get vertical. Really powerful stiff arm. Could run right through you and thank god Thomas showed up on the last play or I would have gotten run over.”

It seemed as if nostalgia had hit him hard as he referenced their 2015 clash against the Seahawks—a game Kuechly dominated with 14 tackles.

That game played in October 2015 wasn’t just a regular-season matchup. It was a statement for the Panthers. Kuechly was coming off a 34-day concussion absence. However, he returned in top form. He helped Carolina secure a 27-23 victory. The Panthers’ defense held Lynch to just 54 yards despite Lynch’s reputation. “

“That was a big game. That was 2015, so we were trying to figure out who we were as a team, go on the road against a good team in Seattle. They were kind of the team that we couldn’t get by early in our time. And then Greg had a touchdown from Cam at the end of the game to seal [it],” Kuechly added as he seemed to have relived those moments of glory and camaraderie. Meanwhile, his comments also shine a light on his own legendary career.

He was known for his sideline-to-sideline presence. In that 2015 game, he not only contained Lynch but also orchestrated stops that kept Seattle’s offense in check. Yet Kuechly’s humility stood out.

Marshawn Lynch’s big day comes with a big impact

Marshawn Lynch is synonymous with Seattle football lore. But his off-field contributions may be his greatest legacy. And his receiving the ‘Paul G. Allen Humanitarian Award’ this year cements his reputation as more than a game-changer on the gridiron. It recognizes his transformative impact on the Seattle community and beyond.

Lynch has worked tirelessly to support underprivileged youth through his Fam 1st Family Foundation: A foundation that was co-founded in his hometown of Oakland. His roots may be traced back to California. But the foundation’s reach now extends deep into Seattle. This is where Lynch’s summer football camps have empowered thousands of children. This work reflects Lynch’s belief in creating opportunities for kids who face the same struggles he once did.

In fact, he once gave about 3,000 free smartphones with three months of service to the homeless populations in Seattle and Oakland. But things don’t stop here.

His ventures have spread internationally, helping build homes in Haiti. And this demonstrates his unwavering commitment to lifting underserved communities worldwide.

Lynch became part of the Seattle Kraken ownership group in April 2022, adding another chapter to his remarkable story. He is channeling his influence into supporting youth-focused and humanitarian efforts tied to the NHL team. From the ‘Beast Quake’ that shook the city to shake the world with his philanthropy, Lynch’s legacy is as enduring as it is inspiring.

Meanwhile, the mutual respect between the two icons of their era underscores the beauty of football. Since it’s a game of physicality and mental toughness—a blend Lynch and Kuechly epitomized. What do you think?