Marshawn Lynch wanted to ball with Seattle on the goal line late in Super Bowl XLIX. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch — who made the catchphrase “I’m just here so I won’t get fined” prior to the Super Bowl — finally opened up to the media about the infamous play in the game.
But it took for Lynch to be on a promotional tour in Turkey.
Lynch is in Turkey helping the non-profit organization American Football Without Barriers, which supports the growth of American football in countries such as China, Brazil and Turkey. Lynch is in Turkey, along with former Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams and Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge.
Lynch was asked about the Seahawks’ final offensive play in Super Bowl XLIX, when Seattle coach Pete Carroll decided to call for a pass at the 1-yard line instead of handing the ball off to his star running back. Russell Wilson’s pass was intercepted by Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler to seal New England’s 28-24 Super Bowl victory.
“To be honest with you, I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that I was expecting the ball,” Lynch said. “Yes, I was expecting the ball. But in life, these things happen. Like I told a reporter after the game, it’s a team sport. I had no problem with the decision of the play-calling. … I don’t know what went into that call. I mean, maybe it was a good thing that I didn’t get the ball. I mean, you know, it cost us the Super Bowl. I have full confidence in my teammates to execute that plan because we’ve done it so many more times. But would I love to have had the ball there? Yes, I would have. But the game is over, and I am in Turkey.”
–Dallas Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones said the team will use the franchise tag on wide receiver Dez Bryant at the deadline Monday and will let running back DeMarco Murray hit free agency.
Speaking to FOX Sports on Saturday, Jones said “we’re eyeing a franchise tag” for Bryant and Murray will “see what’s out on the market” when he becomes a free agent on March 10.
The Cowboys have been trying to sign Bryant to a long-term contract.
The franchise tag would cost the Cowboys around $12.3 million for 2015.
–The Atlanta Falcons want to re-sign linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, who has missed all but seven games over the past two seasons due to injuries.
New coach Dan Quinn sees Weatherspoon as an important cog in his defense, and views Weatherspoon’s injuries as a string of bad luck. Weatherspoon is slated to become a free agent March 10.
–The NFL Competition Committee will consider expanding in-season rosters from 53 players to 55, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.
The report said that opposition to larger rosters previously came from the fact that some teams were having trouble staying under a salary cap. In recent years, however, the salary cap has been increasing more quickly and, coupled with the impact of the rookie wage scale on the market for veterans, there is enough extra cash available to pay two more players per team.
