By Sports Correspondent

Published: July 4, 2024

Former Super Bowl champion Marshawn Lynch is making a surprising move off the football field, teaming up with California Governor Gavin Newsom to launch a new podcast titled “Politickin.”

The unexpected duo, consisting of the 38-year-old ex-running back, affectionately known as ‘Beast Mode,’ and the 56-year-old reelected official, has sparked a range of reactions from fans.

According to reports, Newsom and Lynch’s longtime agent, Doug Hendrickson, have a close relationship spanning several decades.

The podcast, described as a platform for ‘conversations that need to be had,’ is set to air weekly starting July 15, leaving fans with mixed feelings about the collaboration.

“Marshawn Lynch with who? Come on, bro, why?” one confused fan asked, while another expressed their dislike for the pairing, stating, “I like Beast Mode, but there’s no way I’d listen to a podcast with that [person] Newsom in it.”

Others, however, welcomed the idea, with comments like, “I’m listening to pretty much anything with Marshawn in it,” and “That’s dope.”

Known for his powerful running style and brash behavior on the field, Lynch has dabbled in sports media since his retirement in 2019, serving as a commentator and analyst. He is also an investor in two indoor football teams and the NHL’s Seattle Kraken.

Newsom, a fourth-generation San Franciscan, and Lynch, a native of Oakland, previously connected over the ‘Skittles ban’ in California, with the NFL star expressing his displeasure over the outlawing of certain food additives found in the candy.

Newsom and Lynch connected over the ‘Skittles ban’ in California

Additionally, Newsom served as a character witness for Lynch in 2013 following a DUI arrest, even personally calling NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on his behalf, according to Politico.

Lynch, a popular figure among fans, is known for his memorable press conference before Super Bowl XLIX, where he replied to every question with, “I’m just here so I don’t get fined.”

Newsom, on the other hand, is no stranger to the media landscape, having hosted a Current TV talk show while serving as California’s lieutenant governor and appearing on Fox News to debate Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in December.

The “Politickin” podcast promises to be an interesting venture, with fans eagerly awaiting the dynamic between the former NFL star and the California governor.