PHOENIX, Ariz. - To begin the five minutes and 10 seconds Marshawn Lynch spent with the media on Thursday, the running back who likes to let his actions do the talking for him explained why he's preferred to shy away from the camera lens this week as his club prepares to face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX.
"I don't know what image you're trying to portray of me," Lynch said from the Seahawks' team hotel. "But it doesn't matter what you all think, what you all say about me, because when I go home at night, the same people that I look in the face, my family that I love, that's all that really matters to me."
Lynch's opening statement was his honest assessment of the situation.
"I'm here preparing for a game and you all want to ask me all these questions, which is understandable, I could get down with that," he said. "But I told you all, I'm not about to say anything."
Thursday's stint with the media wrapped up the players' press commitments for the week. On Friday morning, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and Patriots coach Bill Belichick will have a joint press conference at the Phoenix Convention Center. Then on Sunday, Feb. 1, we'll finally get around to playing some football - kickoff between Seattle and New England is set for 3:30 p.m. PT at Glendale's University of Phoenix Stadium.
Marshawn Lynch teamed up with New Era to make some exclusive hats. Photos of the launch event.
Seahawks kicker Steven Hauschka nails a 24-yard field goal to give Seattle a 13-12 lead with under two minutes left in the game.
Late afternoon light streams through the huge glass windows at one end of AT&T Stadium.
It was up to Seattle's defense to protect the slim lead at the end of the game and they were up to the task. Bruce Irvin, who was celebrating a birthday, sacks Dallas quarterback Matt Cassel.
Seattle's Cliff Avril takes down Matt Cassel on the Cowboys' final drive.
Seattle defensive linemen Demarcus Dobbs and Cassius Marsh celebrate as the defense protected the late lead. The defense allowed less than 100 yards passing on the day.
In the happy Seahawks locker room following the game, Bruce Irvin is recognized for his sack and also for his birthday which both happened on Sunday.
