A strange professional transition has occurred for former athletes in 2025. We have seen former MLB greats Ken Griffey Jr. and Randy Johnson return to the sports scene as photographers, and now we can add a famous football player to the list.
The same thing happened on Thursday night, as Marshawn Lynch also caught the photography bug.
It’s not surprising Lynch attended the preseason game between the Raiders and the Seahawks, as he played for both teams in his NFL career. Fans first thought they saw him in the background during game action, but they weren’t sure it was him because he was equipped with an “NFL” vest and camera on the sideline.
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Here is more on why Lynch was working as a photographer for the Raiders-Seahawks preseason game.
Marshawn Lynch photographer, explained
The first time the broadcast caught the former running back was when RB George Holani scampered into the end zone from 24 yards out. After Holani dove into the end zone, he got up and backed into Lynch, who sort of checked him back toward the field of play.
.@MoneyLynch unnecessary roughness ? https://t.co/VlL9EUPot9 pic.twitter.com/S7gTUGJdqS
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 8, 2025
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Why is Marshawn Lynch an NFL photographer?
Lynch is a character. All of the content he touches turns to gold. The way that he approaches the world and reacts to things is a favorite among fans. Even as the photographer for the preseason game, he went viral for his shove on Holani after the touchdown score.
The NFL previously hired Lynch as a photographer and content creator. He largely worked with away teams when they visited Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Having him work the preseason game between two teams he used to play for makes too much sense.
Lynch played for the Seahawks from 2010-15. He played for the Raiders when they were still in Oakland from 2017 to 2018. When it looked like Lynch’s career was winding down, he returned for one more season with Seattle in 2019.
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Social media reactions to Marshawn Lynch as a photographer
Move over Beast Mode, it’s Photo Mode.
Marshawn Lynch in Photo Mode pic.twitter.com/RvwGqfPcP6
— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) August 8, 2025
Photographer can be added to Lynch’s post-career resume.
Marshawn Lynch really might have the best post-NFL career ever.
The legendary Beast Mode was spotted on the sidelines working as a photographer. pic.twitter.com/Z5UWvZguKa
— IG: NFLPreme (@premefootball) August 8, 2025
Here for Marshawn Lynch’s photographer era 📸
🎥: @NFL pic.twitter.com/zR6z5X36Tc
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) August 8, 2025
“I’m just here to take some photos”
Marshawn Lynch, probably pic.twitter.com/8DoZLOqFNu
— Bovada (@BovadaOfficial) August 8, 2025
Marshawn Lynch is on the sidelines taking pictures
What can’t this man do 🤣#Raiders #Seahawks pic.twitter.com/Ia6GalOSpJ
— Jesse Merrick – Silver & Black Sports Network (@JesseSBSN) August 8, 2025
Former Seahawk and Raider Marshawn Lynch shooting photos of the his 2 old teams facing off in the preseason in Seattle. Even threw a subtle forearm. #vegas #raiders #raidernation pic.twitter.com/TWfrpFrhmG
— Mick Akers (@mickakers) August 8, 2025
A former Seahawks player was in the broadcast booth to provide some commentary for the game. Lynch wouldn’t stop Facetiming during the second quarter, and the broadcast caught Lynch confused as to why the player wouldn’t answer.
Marshawn Lynch is a national treasure pic.twitter.com/YmqPghlLuM
— Joey 🃏 (@AssassinateHate) August 8, 2025