Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch ends TD run with controversial gesture

Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch helped seal Seattle's victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday with a long touchdown run that ended with a controversial dive into the end zone.

Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch helped seal Seattle's victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday with a long touchdown run that ended with a controversial dive into the end zone.

With just over ten minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Lynch rushed up the middle, evading – and pushing his way past – the Cardinals' defense on his way to a 79-yard touchdown run.

As he entered the end zone, Lynch leaped into the air, turned around to face the field, and grabbed his crotch in a repeat of the gesture he made after a touchdown in the playoffs four seasons ago.

The run was a career-long for the 28-year-old Lynch, who is in his ninth year in the league.

• FARRAR: Seahawks' dominance continues as they thrash Cardinals

In 2011, the first time Lynch grabbed himself after scoring, he received neither a penalty nor a fine. In this instance, he was not flagged, but the action is more likely to bring punishment from the league.

As Pro Football Talk notes, New England cornerback Logan Ryan was fined $10,000 last year for the same gesture, which came after a 79-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Lynch carried a total of ten times against Arizona, earning 113 yards and scoring two touchdowns. In 15 games this season, the running back has 1,246 yards and 12 touchdowns.

• EAGLE: NFL Playoff Picture through Week 16

The Seahawks beat the Cardinals, 35-6, and hold an 11-4 record ahead of their final game against the St. Louis Rams.

- Christopher Woody