Former Bills RB launches unexpected podcast with California governor

Former Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch has launched a podcast with California governor Gavin Newsom and NFL agent Doug Hendrickson.

Kyle Silagyi | Jul 3, 2024

Aug 15, 2009; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch (23) is tackled by Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs (55) in the 1st quarter at Ralph Wilson stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports / Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

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Few personalities in NFL history are as singular as Marshawn Lynch.

The former All-Pro running back is a wholly unique individual, his authenticity and knack for simply being himself resulting in countless memorable—and downright hilarious—moments throughout his decade-plus professional career. He complemented his unique blend of on-field power and speed with a truly singular disposition—he’d break off the wildest 80-yard touchdown run you’ve ever seen before popping a handful of Skittles into his mouth on the sideline.

“I’m just here so I don’t get fined,” “Take care of y’alls chicken,” “I’m just bout that action, boss”—these are truly iconic phrases in football discourse that we do not receive without Lynch. There’s never been another football player quite like him; he marched to the beat of his own distinct drum, and the league was better for it.

He’s continued to be himself in retirement, the most recent example of this being the launch of the Politickin’ podcast. The new show features Lynch, NFL agent Doug Hendrickson, and California Governor Gavin Newsom.

You did not misread that.

The podcast, available through iHeartRadio, is described as “an unexpected collaboration” that features “Newsom as you’ve never heard him and . . . Lynch exactly as you’d expect.” The show launched with a short preview in which the former running back describes the podcast, which, despite the name’s suggestion, will feature “no politics.”

Nov 21, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Taiwan Jones (25) and Marshawn Lynch pose for a photo prior to the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports / Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

“It’s bridging gaps,” Lynch said in the preview. “You sit down, you come to the roundtable, we need to figure it out. I need to figure out where you’re coming from, right? But you need to figure out where he’s coming from. You’re politicking may be a little bit different, you feel me? You handle yours a different way. We bring each side, all walks of life, and we figure out what we’ve got going on.”

The podcast, though unexpected, makes some semblance of sense. The trio united through Hendrickson, who, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, has been friends with Newsom since the 1990s and has served as Lynch’s agent since 2007. Both Newsom and Lynch are from California’s Bay Area; the politician was born in San Francisco while Lynch was born in Oakland.

Lynch commenced his professional career in Western New York, as he was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He showed flashes of brilliance throughout his short stint with the Bills but, for a bevy of circumstances, was largely underwhelming; he ran for 2,765 yards and 17 touchdowns over parts for four seasons in Buffalo before being traded to the Seattle Seahawks for two day-three draft picks midway through the 2010 season. Lynch would become an unequivocal superstar in Seattle, rushing for 6,381 yards and 58 touchdowns over his seven years with the team as he earned five Pro Bowl nods and won a Super Bowl.

Lynch is perhaps most remembered in Western New York for his hilarious ESPN feature produced with longtime ESPN personality Kenny Mayne. Created as a response to derogatory comments made by former Bills running back Willis McGahee, the clip sees Lynch humorously…embracing the Buffalo community, visiting Dave & Buster’s and enjoying the ambiance and decor at Applebee’s.

Lynch was welcomed back to Highmark Stadium to “lead the charge” alongside former teammate Fred Jackson in the 2021 NFL season.

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