Marshawn Lynch Admits He Was Expecting the Ball at End of Super Bowl XLIX

A month later, we finally know Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch's thoughts on his team's final offensive play of Super Bowl XLIX, which ended in a 28-24 loss to the New England Patriots.

Needing just one yard to score the go-ahead touchdown in the final minute of the game, the Seahawks opted to throw the ball—instead of feeding Beast Mode—on 2nd-and-goal. Unfortunately for them, the throw resulted in a game-sealing interception.

Over time, key members of the Seahawks have shed light on the play call. Seattle coach Pete Carroll said on The Today Show that it was the "worst result of a call ever." Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson really opened up about the play.

It seemed like everyone except Lynch had talked about it. Finally, the 28-year-old back has spoken.

Lynch and fellow NFL players DeAngelo Williams and Gary Barnidge are in Turkey to promote the game of football. While there, the players sat down for an interview on NTV Spor. That's when Lynch admitted he expected the ball with the game on the line.

Note: A Turkish translator is talking over the interview and may make it tough to hear. 

Here's a transcript of what Lynch said, via SB Nation's Rodger Sherman:

To be honest with you, I would be lying if I didn't tell you that I was expecting the ball. Yes, I was expecting the ball. But in life, these things happen. Like I told a reporter after the game, it's a team sport.

I had no problem with the decision of the play-calling. I mean, you know...I think it was more of a...how do I say this? When you look at me, and you let me run that ball in...I am the face of the nation. You know, MVP of the Super Bowl...that's pretty much the face of the nation at that point of time. I don't know what went into that call. I mean, maybe it was a good thing that I didn't get the ball. I mean, you know, it cost us the Super Bowl. I mean, I have full...I have full confidence in my teammates to execute that plan because we've done it so many more times. But would I love to had the ball in? Yes, I would have.

But the game is over, and I am in Turkey.

[NTV Spor]