Marshawn Lynch throws elbow to protect camera from Seahawks RB George Holani in debut as photographer

Seattle Seahawks running back George Holani nearly backed into a photographer during Thursday’s preseason game. But not just any photographer.

It was Seahawks legend Marshawn Lynch manning the sideline with both camera and official NFL vest, and he did what he had to do to protect his camera. As Holani fell toward him, the 39-year-old stuck out his elbow and protected a piece of equipment likely to be quite expensive.

It was a blink-and-miss it cameo, and one that both men came away from just fine.

As for why Lynch was down there, your guess is as good as ours. It might be a tradition for Seattle sports legends to take up photography at this point, as both Randy Johnson and Ken Griffey Jr. have caught the bug in retirement.

Randy Johnson Photography, which features the best logo in the business, has taken the Hall of Fame pitcher to a wide array of locales with an emphasis on concerts and wildlife, while Griffey received praise recently for his work at the Masters tournament this year.

It’s also notable the Seahawks were playing the Las Vegas Raiders, one of Lynch’s former teams, who are coached by Pete Carroll, one of Lynch’s former coaches. Lynch popped up at Carroll’s introductory news conference to ask the coach a question, and this might just be an evolution of his media career.

Whatever the reason, the 39-year-old Lynch seemed to be having fun out there.

Lynch has been a busy man in retirement, as both a businessman and media personality. His investments include the NHL’s Seattle Kraken, the USL’s Oakland Roots, a marijuana brand and a hologram start-up, while his television appearances include a gig on Amazon’s “Thursday Night Football,” Season 3 of “Euphoria” and a reality show where celebrities “colonized” Mars. He also hosted a podcast with California Gov. Gavin Newsom.