Amazon targets former NFL star Marshawn Lynch for new Thursday Night Football show
Once reluctant to appear on camera, Marshawn Lynch is poised to be make his big break into the sports broadcasting world.
The former Seahawks running back is reportedly joining Amazon’s new Thursday Night Football show, which is scheduled to premiere in 2023. Lynch will serve as a reporter/analyst, which will have a more relaxed feel, according to the NY Post. Amazon declined to comment.
Al Michaels is expected to take the lead on the broadcast with play-by-play analysis. The network is also actively seeking a color analyst, with Fox’s Troy Aikman, NBC’s Drew Brees, and NBC’s Cris Collinsworth reportedly in the running to work alongside Michaels.
The NFL announced a long-term broadcasting rights of Thursday Night Football with Amazon in March 2021.
Lynch recently appeared on ESPN’s ManningCast during Saints-Seahawks Monday Night Football broadcast. There, the loose-lipped Lynch uttered multiple profanities and discussed his pregame ritual involving drinking Hennessy.
Originally drafted in 2007 by the Buffalo Bills, Lynch rushed for 10,413 yard in 12 seasons with the Bills, Seahawks, and Raiders. Known for setting off the “BeastQuake” in 2011, fans remember “BeastMode” for his public love of Skittles and his public hate for media responsibilities. As a player, Lynch was fined $100k for evading league-required media responsibilities.
Seattle-based Amazon’s reported addition of Lynch mirrors the alternate viewing strategy that competitors have implemented. ESPN has had success with the “Manningcast” and will add “Sunday Night Baseball with Kay-Rod”, featuring Michael Kay and Alex Rodriguez, to its programming lineup. Similarly, NBC has provided an alternate viewing opportunity with Snoop Dogg and Kevin Hart on its streaming service Peacock during the network’s major events.
While Lynch may not have enjoyed the media as a player, he has seemingly found his stride as a spokesperson and commentator in retirement.
