Marshawn Lynch had an exhilarating debut as a football commentator (but not player)

Oh, and Johnny Manziel did football(ish) things in Fan Controlled Football opener.

We told you all about Fan Controlled Football back in December, and the unique new indoor football league made its debut on Saturday night.

The latest football spin-off league has one very special twist to it, and it’s right there in the name: Fans can vote to impact the decisions their favorite team makes, from naming the team to, yes, even, calling plays.

That’s the feature here meant to sell the product. But of course the league also involved existing stars to try to stoke interest, including QB Johnny Manziel.

And, also, Marshawn Lynch. As an owner and commentator (and maybe player? More on that later.)

Note: Some foul language. 

Well, I’ll never think about ceasar salads the same ever again.

Here’s the thing: Lynch DID eventually suit up to try to run for 200 yards on a 50-yard field. However, he ultimately did not enter the game. USA TODAY’s Josh Peter has the details:

The FCF released a photo of Lynch wearing a uniform and issued a “Breaking News’’ statement reporting that “Beast Mode Marshawn Lynch has decided to suit up for his team. @MoneyLynch added to roster.”

Lynch, the retired NFL running back also known as “Beast Mode,” hasn’t played football since suiting up for the Seattle Seahawks late in the 2019 NFL season. He still hasn’t.

Abruptly, Lynch decided against playing for his team in the FCF debut in Duluth, Georgia.

“…Basically he felt he was taking snaps away from the starter, so he was ready to run out and backed out like a true owner with empathy,’’ said Bryan Kirsch, communications advisor for the FCF. “We are trying to get him back on the broadcast to talk about it.’’

I’m torn as to whether I want Lynch to play or continue to be a commentator. Maybe I need to become a fan of the Beasts and cast my vote for: “Both.”

If you’re wondering how Manziel did, let me show you the good:

Before reporting the bad: He completed just 1-of-5 passes and, according to Peter, looked winded for much of the game.

He joked around after his team, the Zappers, lost to the Beasts 48-44: “Good start even with the loss. You know, win or lose we booze on the Zappers.”

Manziel entered a drug and alcohol rehab center in January 2015, when he was still a member of the Cleveland Browns. Hopefully he finds a way to stay healthy as he embarks on this new venture.

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