Society

Marshawn Lynch Says Kaepernick Knee Better Than Hands Up Getting Murdered

Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend · Marshawn Lynch Calls The NFL The "No Fun League" | CONAN on TBS · July 9, 2026

Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend

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

"I'd rather see him take a knee than stand up Put his hands up and get murdered so I mean my my my take on it is It got to start somewhere and if that was the starting point I just hope people open up their eyes to see that it's really a problem going on and something needs to be done for it to stop And I mean if you really not racist then you won't see what he done what he's doing as a threat to America but just addressing a problem that we have"

Marshawn Lynch offered unfiltered support for Colin Kaepernick's national anthem protests, framing the issue as a matter of life and death for Black Americans. The former NFL star defended Kaepernick's actions as necessary to address systemic racism and police violence, directly challenging critics who view the protests as anti-American. Lynch's blunt commentary connects the protests to survival rather than disrespect.

About this episode

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.

Key takeaways

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"