Former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch, who played most notably for the Seattle Seahawks as part of their Super Bowl XLVIII winning team, as well as rapper Macklemore have joined the minority investor group of the Seattle Kraken.
After starting his career with the Buffalo Bills, Lynch played for the Seahawks from 2010 to 2015 before announcing his retirement. He came out of retirement in 2017 to play for his hometown Oakland Raiders for two seasons before returning to Seattle for one more season in 2019.
"Being a part of the Seattle Kraken is something big for me, it gives me another chance to get a ring after helping bring the first NFL one to the city," said Lynch in a statement released by the team. "And if you thought I was going somewhere, nah Seattle, I’m here!”
Lynch will serve as part of the Kraken's “Hockey is for Everyone” campaign, working with the team to plan events geared towards young people and community activism. The Kraken have already shown their initiatives to drive positive social change and foster more inclusive communities in their work with Black Girl Hockey Club as well as with intersectionality consultant Chanel Keenan.
Macklemore, a Seattle native, will work with the team and arena to produce music events that serve the community and engage fans. Macklemore will also be a partner with his golf clothing brand Bogey Boys for an annual Seattle Kraken Golf tournament.
“To witness the energy around the Kraken in our inaugural season blew me away," said Macklemore in the team's statement. "Selling out an entire first year in a brand-new arena already set the tone of the legacy that is being created. I’m just grateful to be a part of history.
