Marshawn Lynch dubs Aaron Rodgers as the ‘best QB’ he has ever played with
Lynch revealed that Aaron Rodgers was the reason he got a chance on their college football team.
During a recent episode of Shannon Sharpe‘s podcast, “Club Shay Shay,” he asked retired NFL running back Marshawn Lynch about his thoughts on Aaron Rodgers. Lynch played one season with Rodgers during their college days for the California Golden Bears.
Sharp has been a longtime admirer of the veteran quarterback, like many others. Considering all the extensive media coverage surrounding him since the start of the year, he was bound to ask Lynch about their history together. Shannon’s original question for the All-Pro player was: Did he know Aaron Rodgers would become one of the best ever?
“Aaron Rodgers was your teammate,” Sharpe said. “I think he is a top-five quarterback of all time. When you were playing with him in college, did you think he was going to turn into what he became?” Lynch instantly answered, “Yeah,” nodding his head. “But the only difference is that I would have thought he would have more Super Bowls by now.”
This was followed by a revelation that perhaps only a few were privy to. “He [Rodgers] is the reason why I got my opportunity at Cal [Golden Bears],” Lynch said.It’s common knowledge that getting on the first team is hard for anyone, let alone a freshman. A lot of players don’t even get to play regular football if the coaching staff doesn’t have faith. Only a select few possess the panache and skill to make the cut. But luck is important too.
Lynch claimed the starter RB on the team put up elite numbers, and he knew that chances would be limited. During the spring training session, an unexpected opportunity arose. He was asked to run a route, which he botched completely. However, this is where Rodgers came in. “A-Rod turned around and looking for me,” Lynch added. “Saw me on the other side and pulled off a move I have ever seen. He turned around and handed me the ball backwords. I get back into the play and score.” Even though he got a TD, the running back coach was furious. But the 37-year-old then and there realized “Aaron Rodgers was special.”
Marshawn Lynch on Aaron Rodgers:
“He’s the best QB I ever played with.”
@MoneyLynch tells an incredible story about running the wrong play and @AaronRodgers12taking the blame for it @CalFootballpic.twitter.com/bQW0fvKgcp— Club Shay Shay (@ClubShayShay) October 4, 2023
The respect is mutual between Aaron Rodgers and Marshawn Lynch
In their illustrious NFL careers, Rodgers and Lynch have faced each other several times. But their most famous matchup came in the 2020 playoffs. Rodgers, then part of the Green Bay Packers, beat the Lynch-led Seattle Seahawks 28-23.
#24 Marshawn Lynch hugs #12 Aaron Rodgers (Image via Seattle Seahawks)
After the game, Lynch went into the Packers locker room to give a hug to his college teammate and exchange jerseys. “Marshawn and I became fast friends back in 2004,” Rodgers once told Sports Illustrated in an interview. “He is one of my all-time favorite teammates and has an incredible personality.” According to ESPN, the four-time NFL MVP said he was fortunate to play with Lynch. “I just have a ton of respect for him. He is so likeable and respected by so many people. I’m just fortunate to have gotten to play with him.”
Marshawn Lynch won the Super Bowl with the Seahawks in 2013. In a 14-year career, he led the NFL in rushing yards twice (2013, 2014) and made the Pro Bowl five times. Lynch has 10413 rushing yards and 85 touchdowns.
On the other hand, Aaron Rodgers is indeed one of the best players to ever play the game of football. Despite only winning the Super Bowl once in 2010, he made All-Pro four times (2011, 2014, 2020, and 2021). Rodgers was part of the NFL 2010 All-Decade Team. He led the league in passing four times in 2011, 2012, 2020, and 2021 and was also twice the touchdown leader in 2016 and 2020. In 18 seasons with the Packers and 1 quarter with the New York Jets, Aaron Rodgers has 59,055 passing yards, 475 touchdowns, and 105 interceptions.
