California Governor Gavin Newsom is set to launch a podcast with retired NFL star Marshawn Lynch called “Politickin’,” iHeartMedia revealed Wednesday.
This “unexpected” collaboration pairs the Democrat governor, who’s been mentioned as a possible replacement for President Biden in 2024, with the infamous former Seattle Seahawks running back.
The podcast, which will stream weekly beginning on July 15, also stars Lynch’s agent, Doug Hendrickson, who Newsom is life-long friends with.
Promising “the conversations that need to be had,” Newsom assured listeners they’ll hear him “like you’ve never heard him before.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom is launching a podcast with Marshawn Lynch called “Politickin” pic.twitter.com/dAvfJjTlfG
— BAY AREA STATE OF MIND (@YayAreaNews) July 3, 2024
Yet, despite its political-sounding name, “Politickin’” will avoid political discussions. Instead, the trio will guide listeners towards a “deeper understanding of what it takes to excel in their respective fields.”
Newsom’s team has reportedly been organizing this show for over six months, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter.
Lynch, a Super Bowl champion, five-time Pro Bowl player, and the NFL’s leader in rushing touchdowns for 2013 and 2014, earned the nickname “Beast Mode” for his tenacity on the field.
His iconic “Beast Quake” touchdown during the 2011 NFL playoffs is still hailed as one of the greatest in the sport’s history.
Lynch retired and came back to the league multiple times, but finally left the game for good in 2019 after a final season with the Seahawks.
After twelve seasons in the NFL, he became a part-owner of the NHL’s Seattle Kraken. He has also become a spokesperson for Skittles and a football commentator.
This isn’t the first encounter between Newsom and Lynch. Newsom testified as a character witness for Lynch during a DUI investigation by the NFL in 2013.
The relationship between the two men recently resurfaced when California moved toward banning certain food additives found in sweets.
Lynch reached out to Newsom, who reassured the former champ that the candy wasn’t being banned.
Marshawn Lynch just announced that he’s finally getting his own pack of Skittles. The silver and black Marshawn’s Pack will be given away for free to 2,400 lucky fans at https://t.co/Z5PFiqwUdY pic.twitter.com/ueNMAF0oM6
— Athlete Swag (@AthleteSwag) August 21, 2018
Newsom further pandered to Lynch when he posted a photo of the candy when he signed the bill.
Critics of Newsom were quick to voice their disapproval of the podcast on social media.
“That sounds like absolute garbage,” one X user tweeted.
“If there was a way to short a podcast, this would be the one,” one replier quipped.
“A podcast with Gavin must be thrilling, I can’t wait to hear it, I hope the wait isn’t too long and they do it as soon as possible, I’m eager to receive all that propaganda,” somebody sarcastically remarked.
While others were shocked that Lynch would hitch his celebrity to Newsom.
“Beastmode way too awesome to be doing a podcast with that guy,” someone else wrote.
“My boy beast mode just getting that check,” another pointed out.
Some pointed out that Newsom shouldn’t be taking time off from his day job to make the podcast.
“Shouldn’t Newsom be doing his job instead, being a terrible governor?” someone questioned.
“Great idea Gav – maybe spend that time cleaning up streets,” one person snarked.
On Wednesday, Newsom recently abandoned his efforts to get a second crime-fighting measure on the California’s fall ballot.
This measure would have increased penalties for repeat offenders of crimes including shoplifting, carjacking, and drug dealing laced with fentanyl.
The move was seen as an attempt to counter another tough-on-crime measure backed by Republicans, law enforcement groups, and prosecutors aiming to roll back Proposition 47.
The 2014 measure had downgraded certain theft and drug crimes from felonies to misdemeanors to reduce prison overcrowding.
Critics blame Prop 47 for skyrocketing organized retail thefts and smash-and-grab robberies plaguing California.
Newsom attributed the failure to place his measure on the ballot to the California District Attorneys Association, which supports the competing crime measure.
He accused the association of refusing to engage with his administration and legislative leaders to reach a deal.
Newsom’s statement placed the blame squarely on the association, claiming they had instead opted to push a ballot measure that would revive “mass incarceration and the failed War on Drugs.”
He added that while his proposal had legislative support, the necessary amendments couldn’t be secured by the ballot deadline, prompting its withdrawal.