Nick Saban Jokes with Marshawn Lynch Over Seahawks’ Super Bowl 49 Play
From changing his tie to please Cal football fans during ESPN’s “College GameDay” to poking fun at Marshawn Lynch, Nick Saban seems to be relishing his retirement from coaching.
Saban chose Miami to triumph over Cal in their game in Berkeley, much to the dismay of Cal alum and former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch. Lynch was the guest picker for the show’s inaugural visit to a Cal football game.
In response, Lynch opted for Cal to pull off an upset against No. 8 Miami, aiming for the Golden Bears to achieve their first home win against a top-10 team since 2017, when they defeated No. 8 Washington State 37-3 in Berkeley on October 13, 2017.
Saban couldn’t resist making a playful jab at Lynch, referencing the notorious moment in Super Bowl 49 when former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll chose to throw the ball instead of handing it off to the running back, resulting in a crucial interception by Malcolm Butler. This play is now remembered as one of the most significant moments in Super Bowl history.
“We might disagree on our picks, but I’m telling you, man, if it’s fourth-and-1 in the Super Bowl at the 1(-yard-line), I am giving you the ball right here,” Saban said, mimicking handing the ball off to Lynch, which made everyone laugh.