One-time Super Bowl champion Marshawn Lynch is teaming up with California Gov. Gavin Newsom to launch a new podcast in a shock move to NFL fans.
The 38-year-old former running back, also known as ‘Beast Mode,’ is set to star in a show, called ‘Politickin,’ with the reelected official, 56, despite talk of Newsom being tipped to replace Joe Biden on the 2024 ticket, should the US President end his run.
Doug Hendrickson – Lynch’s longtime agent – is reportedly close with Newsom, as the pair have reportedly 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 on July 15.
iHeartMedia described the put together as ‘unexpected,’ despite Newsom’s close ties with Lynch’s representative, and fans couldn’t help but to feel the same way on social media.
‘Politickin’ will star California Gov. Gavin Newsom (C) ex-Seahawks star Marshawn Lynch (L)
Known for his uncompromising style of play and brashness, Lynch won a Super Bowl in 2014
‘Marshawn Lynch with who? C’mon bro why?’ a person on X begged to ask.
‘I like Beast Mode, but ain’t no way in hell I’d listen to a podcast with that a** hat Newsom in it,’ another user wrote.
‘Tell us you’re running for president November without telling us you’re running for president in November…’ someone else pointed out.
Others, however, reacted well to the launch of the podcast with a fan posting: ‘I’m listening to pretty much anything with Marshawn in it.’
A different used said ‘That’s dope,’ while another fan shared: ‘Can’t wait to hear the brilliant insights Newsom bring to the conversation.’
NFL fans were torn about the ‘unexpected’ collaboration on X, as described by iHeartRadio
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According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, Newsom’s team has worked on putting the show together 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 following a DUI arrest, including personally calling NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to let the Seattle Seahawks great off the hook, according to Politico.
Newsom, a fourth-generation San Franciscan, and Lynch, who’s also from the Bay Area (Oakland), also exchanged over the ‘Skittles ban’ in California last year as the five-time Pro Bowler wasn’t too pleased with the outlawing of food additives found in sweets.
Newsom, however, revealed that he personally informed the NFL’er that he wasn’t actually banning the candy amid misinformation spreading on social media.
Newsom reacting during 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 behavior on the gridiron, famously attended a press conference before Super Bowl XLIX and replied to every question with, ‘I’m just here so I don’t get fined.’
The football star has dabbled in sports media since his retirement in 2019 by serving as a commentator and analyst.
Lynch is also an investor of two indoor football teams and the NHL’s Seattle Kraken.
Newsom previously hosted a Current TV talk show while in office as California’s lieutenant governor. He also appeared on Fox News in December to debate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.