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10 Things You Need To Know About Marshawn Lynch Heading Into Super Bowl XLIX

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10 Things You Need To Know About Marshawn Lynch Heading Into Super Bowl XLIX

Marshawn Lynch
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Some of the NFL's brightest stars will take the field on Feb. 1, when the Seattle Seahawks battle the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX. One of the more interesting characters on either team is Seattle RB Marshawn Lynch, for a variety of reasons. Here's everything you need to know about him before the big game in Glendale, AZ.

10. Lynch Is From Oakland, CA

Marshawn Lynch
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10. Lynch Is From Oakland, CA

Marshawn Lynch
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Marshawn Lynch comes from a rugged neighborhood in Oakland, CA, which explains a lot about his personality and playing style. He played his college ball at the University of California, where he played three seasons and became the school's second all-time career rusher. Lynch holds the school record for 100-yard rushing games with 17.

9. "Beast Mode"

Marshawn Lynch
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9. "Beast Mode"

Marshawn Lynch
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Lynch's nickname is "Beast Mode," which is attributed to his aggressive running style and incredible ability to break tackles. He feeds off physical contact and becomes more difficult to tackle as the game wears on. When "Beast Mode" is activated, Lynch is impossible to stop. Just ask the New Orleans Saints.

8. Lynch Had One of the Greatest Touchdown Runs of All-Time

Marshawn Lynch
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8. Lynch Had One of the Greatest Touchdown Runs of All-Time

Marshawn Lynch
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In the 2011 NFC Wild Card game, Lynch made one of the most incredible runs in playoff history. With Seattle up 34-30 against the defending champion New Orleans Saints, Lynch broke free for a 67-yard touchdown run, breaking numerous tackles and delivering a vicious stiff arm on his way to the end zone. The noise from celebration in the stadium registered on a nearby seismograph, as the run became forever known as the "Beast Quake."

7. He Led the NFL In Rushing TD the Past Two Seasons

Marshawn Lynch
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7. He Led the NFL In Rushing TD the Past Two Seasons

Marshawn Lynch
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Lynch is the reigning touchdown king in the NFL for the past two years. In 2013, he scored 12 touchdowns and the Seahawks won the Super Bowl. This season, Lynch found the end zone 13 times and rushed for 1,306 yards. He is the catalyst for Seattle's offense and is incredibly difficult to contain.

6. He's Made the Pro Bowl Five Times

Marshawn Lynch
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

6. He's Made the Pro Bowl Five Times

Marshawn Lynch
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Lynch went to the Pro Bowl in his second season with the Buffalo Bills in 2008. He's earned the nomination in four consecutive years with the Seahawks. Lynch obviously won't be participating in the game this year because his team is in the Super Bowl.

5. Lynch Comes From A Football Family

Marshawn Lynch
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5. Lynch Comes From A Football Family

Marshawn Lynch
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Lynch has several relatives who have played professional football. His cousins are WR Robert Jordan, whom he played with at Cal from 2004-06, former Oakland Raiders QB Jamarcus Russell and QB Josh Johnson of the San Fransisco 49ers. Lynch's uncle Lorenzo also played 11 years in the NFL.

4. Lynch Holds A Seattle Franchise Record

Marshawn Lynch
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4. Lynch Holds A Seattle Franchise Record

Marshawn Lynch
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On Dec. 18, 2011, Lynch set a Seattle franchise record for consecutive games with a rushing touchdown as he scored in his 10th straight game. He broke the record that was previously held by Shaun Alexander, another great Seattle running back. If he continues his superb production, more records are likely to fall.

3. He's Been Fined Numerous Times By the NFL

Marshawn Lynch
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3. He's Been Fined Numerous Times By the NFL

Marshawn Lynch
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Lynch is often a victim of the "No Fun League" and its ridiculous policies. He's been fined for a number of different things, such as wearing specialized cleats, refusing to speak to the media and his crotch-grabbing celebrations. The NFL is swift to come down hard on these petty things, yet is lenient towards serious issues like domestic violence. Hypocrisy at its finest.

2. Lynch Loves Skittles

Marshawn Lynch
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2. Lynch Loves Skittles

Marshawn Lynch
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One of the more unique things about Marshawn Lynch is his love for Skittles. He grabs a handful on the sideline after every touchdown, a ritual that dates back to his high school days. Lynch even has his own Skittles' dispenser in his locker and signed a deal with the candy company last year. It's certainly bizarre, but it works.

1. "Thanks For Asking"

Marshawn Lynch
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1. "Thanks For Asking"

Marshawn Lynch
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Lynch has a reputation for being reluctant to talk to the media, which has led to some hilarious interviews. After a win over Arizona on Dec. 21, he answered almost every question by saying, "Thanks for asking" or "I appreciate you asking, Thank you." One can only imagine what he has in store for Media Day at the upcoming Super Bowl.

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