Beast Quake: Marshawn Lynch’s Legendary Run That Shook Seattle
Introduction
On January 8, 2011, the Seattle Seahawks hosted the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints in an NFC Wild Card playoff game. Despite entering the postseason with a losing record (7–9), the Seahawks pulled off one of the most memorable upsets in NFL history. The defining moment came in the fourth quarter, when running back Marshawn Lynch bulldozed through the Saints’ defense for a 67-yard touchdown run so powerful that it caused seismic activity near the stadium. The play became known as “Beast Quake.”
Setting the Stage: Seahawks vs. Saints, 2010 Season
The Seahawks entered the playoffs in unusual fashion:
-
Seattle Seahawks: Under first-year head coach Pete Carroll, the team finished 7–9 but won the NFC West. They were heavy underdogs against New Orleans.
-
New Orleans Saints: Coming off their first Super Bowl championship the year before, Drew Brees and the Saints were expected to cruise past Seattle.
The game was played at Qwest Field (now Lumen Field), home to some of the loudest fans in the NFL — the infamous “12th Man.”
The Game: A High-Scoring Shootout
The matchup was surprisingly competitive from the start.
-
The Saints jumped to an early 10–0 lead, but the Seahawks fought back behind quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who threw four touchdown passes.
-
By the fourth quarter, Seattle held a slim 34–30 lead with just over three minutes remaining. Facing 2nd-and-10 from their own 33-yard line, the Seahawks needed a first down to keep the Saints’ offense off the field.
That’s when Lynch delivered one of the greatest runs in NFL history.
The Play: The Beast Quake Run
Lynch took the handoff and immediately bounced to the right side. What followed was pure power and determination:
-
He broke through the line of scrimmage, stiff-arming linebacker Scott Shanle.
-
He powered through multiple tacklers, shaking off defenders as if they were rag dolls.
-
Near midfield, Lynch delivered his now-iconic “Beast Mode” stiff-arm to cornerback Tracy Porter, shoving him to the ground.
-
The crowd roared as Lynch rumbled down the sideline, diving into the end zone to complete a 67-yard touchdown run.
The stadium was so loud that nearby seismic monitors registered vibrations, giving the run its nickname: Beast Quake.
Reactions: A Play for the Ages
Fans and players alike were in awe of what they had just witnessed.
-
Commentator Mike Mayock exclaimed, “Get off me!” as Lynch tossed defenders aside.
-
The run instantly went viral, replayed endlessly on highlight shows and social media.
-
For Seahawks fans, it symbolized the team’s resilience and marked the birth of the Pete Carroll/Marshawn Lynch era.
Aftermath: The Upset Complete
Seattle went on to win the game 41–36, pulling off one of the biggest upsets in playoff history. Although the Seahawks lost the following week to the Chicago Bears, the Beast Quake had already cemented its place in NFL lore.
For Marshawn Lynch, the run defined his career and solidified his “Beast Mode” persona — a nickname that became his brand, spawning endorsements, apparel, and even his famous Skittles tradition.
Legacy of the Beast Quake
The Beast Quake is remembered as one of the greatest runs in NFL history because it combined:
-
Physical dominance: Lynch broke nine tackles on the play.
-
Iconic visuals: The stiff-arm on Tracy Porter became the defining image of Beast Mode.
-
Cultural impact: The seismic reading made the play a phenomenon beyond football.
-
Underdog story: A 7–9 team defeating the defending Super Bowl champs made the moment even sweeter.
Even today, NFL fans rank the Beast Quake among the most unforgettable playoff highlights ever.
Conclusion
The Beast Quake was more than a touchdown — it was a moment that symbolized the power of belief, toughness, and the energy of a city rallying behind its team. Marshawn Lynch’s 67-yard run remains one of the most electrifying plays in NFL history, and its seismic impact ensures it will never be forgotten.
