Marshawn Lynch provided a fascinating glimpse into the leadership of Aaron Rodgers.
Lynch and Rodgers were teammates at Cal in 2004, when the former was a freshman and the latter a junior entering his second season as starting quarterback.
Lynch appeared on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast this week and was asked if he knew at that time that Rodgers was destined for greatness.
“The only difference is, I would’ve thought he would’ve had more Super Bowls by now, realistically,” Lynch said.
“Aaron Rodgers is the reason why I got my opportunity at Cal. As a freshman, it’s hard to play [get playing time].”
This was especially true given that J.J. Arrington was also in the backfield, and rushed for over 2,000 yards that season.
Nevertheless, at the Spring Game, Lynch recalled head coach Jeff Tedford calling out, “Put two-four in there.”
Marshawn Lynch was amazed at Aaron Rodgers’ selfless gesture during Cal’s 2004 Spring Game.Club Shay Shay
Aaron Rodgers at Cal in 2004.WireImage
Lynch said that he was already amazed that he got the opportunity considering there were players who were senior to him that hadn’t gotten carries yet.
And then the call came for 24-power, but Lynch blew the assignment.
“I done went the wrong damn way,” Lynch said, still embarrassed by the gaffe.
Marshawn Lynch played at Cal from 2004-06.Sporting News via Getty Images
“But this is how I know A-Rod was special,” Lynch continued.
“As A-Rod turned around and looked for me, he saw I was on the other side, A-Rod pulled the smoothest move I’ve ever seen. That boy turned around and handed the ball off to me backwards. He was facing the other way. Handed it off to me backwards.”
Lynch said that he actually wound up scoring on the play, but still got chewed out by his running backs coach for messing up the assignment.
He recalled: “Now the head coach is coming over here but before he could even get out here to open his mouth I just hear A-Rod going, ‘No no no, that was me. That was me.’”
The running backs coach was undeterred, saying he knew Lynch ran the wrong way, but Rodgers apparently repeated, “No, I did the wrong thing.”
Lynch was amazed as he’d never seen a quarterback take false responsibility like that, let alone one as talented as Rodgers.
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He also expressed appreciation that Rodgers focused on getting him involved in the pass game as well.
“He really put me in the mix,” Lynch said. “He was the best quarterback I ever played with.”
