Lynch was ready to play for FCF team, backed out

Marshawn Lynch nearly made a return to the gridiron Saturday during the opening night of the new Fan Controlled Football league.

The former NFL running back, who co-owns the FCF's Beasts, was prepared to take the field with his team but had second thoughts.

"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," FCF communications advisor Bryan Kirsch said, according to Josh Peter of USA Today.

The Beasts were able to win without Lynch's help, defeating Johnny Manziel and the Zappers 48-44.

Lynch last played in the NFL during the 2019 season when he came out of retirement to rejoin the Seattle Seahawks. He told late-night host Conan O'Brien in December that he'd be willing to return to the NFL again but only for a Super Bowl contender.