Happy 40th birthday to Seahawks legend Marshawn Lynch!

We at Seahawks Wire want to extend the happiest of birthdays to the man, the myth and the legend himself: former Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch. On this day, 40 years ago, Marshawn Lynch entered this world... and the world became better for it! Perhaps no one but his mother could have imagined the impact that little baby would have... not just in football, but American pop culture as a whole.

What is there to say about Marshawn Lynch that hasn't been said a million times before? One of the most unique personalities to ever grace the NFL, or the American sports landscape. An enigmatic figure, who's passion for refusing media appearances until a fear of being fined forced his hand, gave way to a blossoming acting career. A beast of a running back who quite literally would move the Earth... and the center of football's gravity to the Pacific Northwest for the first time. An inspiration to the American dream, for those who come from humble beginnings to being an incredibly successful in business.

To the fans in the Seattle area, he will forever be an icon. The only man who can legitimately rival Ken Griffey Jr. for the best player to wear the No. 24 jersey in this city's sports history. Lynch became a Seahawk when first year head coach Pete Carroll traded for him in October of 2010. His impact was truly felt when his legendary 67-yard touchdown run in the Wild Card of the playoffs helped Seattle upset the defending champion New Orleans Saints, becoming the first sub-.500 team to win a postseason game.

Although the Seahawks missed the playoffs the following year, looking back, it's clear this run was the start of the golden age of Seattle football. Lynch would go on to be the face of the Seahawks' offense, and helped deliver the first Super Bowl win in franchise history a few short seasons later. Of course, Seattle's attempt to defend their crown infamously fell short at the goal line, but in an odd way that almost helps Lynch's legacy. For years, the line has always been "should have handed it to Marshawn." This of course implies Lynch himself would have single-handily delivered the Seahawks another championship... a feeling countless fans across the country will always feel.