Seahawks’ Coby Bryant Risks Fine with Marshawn Lynch-Inspired Celebration
Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant delivered a game-changing play during Sunday’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. At 7:12 in the third quarter, Bryant intercepted a pass from Kyler Murray and returned it 69 yards for a touchdown. However, his celebratory homage to former Seahawks star Marshawn Lynch might come at a cost.
As Bryant dived into the end zone, he mimicked Lynch’s signature gesture by grabbing below the waistline, a move the former running back famously performed during the Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom” era. While the celebration was a nod to Seahawks history, it is also likely to draw a fine from the NFL.
The league has penalized players for this type of celebration before. Just last week, Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams was fined $19,697 for replicating Lynch’s gesture in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bryant seems to be aware of the potential consequences, admitting, “I know they’re going to fine me. Hopefully, Marshawn, if you see this, you can show some love for me.”
Bryant revealed that the celebration was premeditated, explaining that he had discussed it with his dad and brother before the game. “Once I get a pick-six, I’m doing [the Marshawn] just because we were playing the Cardinals and everything,” he said.
Lynch’s original gesture dates back to his iconic “Beast Quake” touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in 2011. He reprised it in a 2014 game against the Cardinals, which led to an $11,050 fine. In 2015, he was fined $20,000 for repeating the move during the NFC Championship. That same year, the NFL warned the Seahawks that another such celebration would result in a 15-yard penalty.
Other players have also faced penalties for similar antics. In 2022, former Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones was fined $11,050 for performing the gesture after a 79-yard run against the Cardinals.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith advocated for Bryant during his postgame press conference, urging the NFL to go easy: “Please don’t fine him, NFL.” Still, Bryant anticipates the league will penalize him, making his tribute to Lynch a costly one.
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