Marshawn Lynch Calls The NFL The "No Fun League" | CONAN on TBS

Retired NFL running back Marshawn Lynch appeared on Conan O'Brien's show to discuss his transition from professional football, his community work in Oakland, and his views on Colin Kaepernick's national anthem protests. Lynch, who announced his retirement via a cryptic Super Bowl tweet showing cleats hanging from a telephone wire, explained he walked away from a $12 million offer because "when it's time run its course, it's just run its course." The interview showcased Lynch's unfiltered personality, from his signature "beast mode" celebrations that drew NFL fines to a humorous misunderstanding about "grandma ding ding sauce." Beyond the levity, Lynch discussed serious topics including his foundation's 10th annual kids camp in Oakland, which has produced NFL players including a defensive rookie of the year. He revealed he's expanded into new ventures including a Beast Mode chocolate bar with a Willy Wonka-style golden ticket promotion. The most substantive moment came when Lynch addressed Colin Kaepernick's protests, offering stark support: "I'd rather see him take a knee than stand up, put his hands up and get murdered." Lynch challenged critics by reframing the controversy as addressing real problems of racism and violence rather than threatening America. He also recounted his near-death experience with Bear Grylls in Corsica, France, admitting he cursed out the survivalist while hanging from a mountain despite never having been camping before.

• Marshawn Lynch defended Colin Kaepernick's anthem protests, saying he'd rather see Kaepernick kneel than get murdered with hands up
• Lynch walked away from a second $12 million contract offer from the Seahawks, explaining his playing career had run its course
• The retired running back's foundation has operated kids camps in Oakland for 10 years, producing NFL players including a defensive rookie of the year
• Lynch announced his retirement during the Super Bowl with a tweet showing his cleats hanging from a telephone wire in one take
• He nearly died filming with Bear Grylls in Corsica, France, hanging from a mountain despite never having been camping before
• Lynch launched a Beast Mode chocolate bar with a Willy Wonka-style golden ticket promotion offering a Seattle factory tour
• The former running back was repeatedly fined by the NFL for celebrations including grabbing himself, calling the league the "no fun league"