Former Super Bowl champion Marshawn Lynch has teamed up with California Governor Gavin Newsom to launch a new podcast, a move that will surprise NFL fans.
The 38-year-old former racer, also known as ‘Beast Mode,’ will star in a show called ‘Politickin’ with the 56-year-old re-elected official, despite talk of Newsom being considered as the candidate to replace Joe Biden in the 2024 elections, if the US president ends his career.
Doug Hendrickson, Lynch’s longtime agent, is reportedly close to Newsom, having known each other for several decades.
Promising that the podcast will be a platform for “conversations that need to be had,” the show will air weekly starting July 15.
iHeartMedia described the event as “unexpected,” despite Newsom’s close ties to Rep. Lynch, and fans couldn’t help but feel the same way on social media.
‘Politickin’ will star California Governor Gavin Newsom (center) and former Seahawks star Marshawn Lynch (left)
Known for his uncompromising style of play and brashness, Lynch won a Super Bowl in 2014.
“Marshawn Lynch with who? Come on bro, why?” one person asked on X.
“I like Beast Mode, but there’s no way I would listen to a podcast with that idiot Newsom,” another user wrote.
“Tell us you’re running for president in November without telling us you’re running for president in November…” another person noted.
Others, however, reacted well to the podcast’s release with one fan posting: “I’m listening to pretty much anything that has Marshawn on it.”
A different user said, “That’s great,” while another fan shared, “I can’t wait to hear what brilliant ideas Newsom brings to the conversation.”
NFL fans were divided over the “unexpected” collaboration on X, as described by iHeartRadio
According NFL Insider Adam SchefterNewsom’s team has been working on the show for more than six months.
Lynch and the governor have reportedly been friends for years, as Newsom served as a character witness for Lynch in 2013 after a DUI arrest, even personally calling on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to let the Seattle Seahawks go, according to Political.
Newsom, a fourth-generation San Franciscan, and Lynch, who is also from the Bay Area, also exchanged views on California’s “Skittles ban” last year, as the five-time Pro Bowler was less than happy with the ban on food additives found in the candy.
However, Newsom revealed that he personally informed the NFL player that he was not actually banning the candy amid misinformation spreading on social media.
Newsom reacts during a video call with Lynch during a visit to Beastmode Barbershop in 2021
Lynch, a popular figure among fans due to his powerful running style and brash demeanor on the field, attended a press conference before Super Bowl XLIX and answered every question with, “I’m just here so I don’t get fined.”
The soccer star has ventured into sports media since his retirement in 2019, working as a commentator and analyst.
Lynch is also an investor in two indoor soccer teams and the NHL’s Seattle Kraken.
Newsom previously hosted a Current TV talk show while serving as California’s lieutenant governor. He also appeared on Fox News in December to debate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.