Editors note: The original version of this story reported that the reaction came from Lynch himself. The tweet was actually posted under a parody account that uses his name.
The New York Giants decision to bench Eli Manning came as a shock to just about everyone and the best reaction to the news came from a popular Marshawn Lynch parody account.
The Giants announced that they would be benching Manning, who has started in 222 games for the team, in favor of Geno Smith on Tuesday. Of course, this came as a shock to fans and players around the NFL, and the tweet from Lynch’s parody account was on point.
“The @Giants benching Eli Manning for Geno Smith is almost as crazy as not running the ball on the 1 with a Super Bowl in the line,” the tweet said in clear reference to Super Bowl XLIX.
The @Giants benching Eli Manning for Geno Smith is almost as crazy as not running the ball on the 1 with a Super Bowl in the line
— Marshawn Lynch (@MarshawnLynch24) November 28, 2017
The Seattle Seahawks were down 28-24 in the waning seconds of the game with the ball on the one yard line and a chance to clinch victory against the New England Patriots. But they didn’t. Rather than handing the ball off to their beast of a running back Marshawn Lynch, they opted to throw the ball and got picked off and lost. The decision was unanimously criticized, much like the Giants’ decision to bench Manning on Tuesday.
The Giants have an abysmal record of 2-9, on pace for their worst since drafting Manning out of Ole Miss, but that still doesn’t justify the team benching their franchise quarterback. Manning has been the face of the franchise since he joined the Giants in 2003 and led the storied franchise to 2 of their 4 Super Bowl victories. You don’t give up on a guy like that for a bad season, especially with his fellow star players out with injuries.
It’s just not right. And if you don’t agree, all you need to do is look at the reaction from Manning’s fellow players and former teammates.
I’m honestly at a lost for words. As a person that has seen Eli the QB but also Eli the Man, I’m truly pissed about what has taking place today. This decision is one of the STUPIDEST I’ve seen in my time being asap with pro sports #noloyalty #14years #bullshit
— Justin Tuck (@JustinTuck) November 28, 2017
You know you’re wrong when I have Cowboy, Redskin, and Eagle game agreeing that they did Eli dirty
— Justin Tuck (@JustinTuck) November 29, 2017
As a former NYG I’m embarrassed by the callousness and lack of respect the organization has shown Eli Manning. Come on guys, you’re better than that!
— Ed McCaffrey (@87ed) November 28, 2017
Wow so Eli Manning get benched. Is it me or is #BenMcAdoo running out of ppl to throw under the Bus. He’s like a student who didn’t study for a test but keeps saying the teacher just doesn’t like me. No Son you failed yourself. Str8 donkey #facts
— Steve Smith Sr (@89SteveSmith) November 28, 2017
U can’t bench @EliManning! That’s my Quarterback! https://t.co/buLUlWZytb
— Terrell Owens (@terrellowens) November 29, 2017