Marshawn Lynch built up a popular persona as the introverted running back who had to be forced by the NFL to reluctantly speak to the press during his NFL career. The former Seattle Seahawk spent last season in retirement, but recently announced that he’d be putting his cleats back on to play for his hometown Oakland Raiders in the upcoming NFL season. To mark the occasion, the quirky star (nicknamed “Beast Mode”) posted this simple message on social media:
It’s a testament to Lynch’s drawing power that nothing else had to be said to ensure a heartening turnout the following day. Media estimates range from about 400 to over 1,000 participants joining Lynch for a leisurely ride around his Oakland neighborhood.
Brief footage of the ride shows the enigmatic Lynch, a Super Bowl winner with the Seahawks, holding onto a van to convey his bike.
While he might be a curiosity to casual fans, Lynch has maintained a fierce pride and devotion to his native Oakland. The Raiders are slated to relocate to Vegas in the next couple years, but it remains to be seen whether Lynch stays with the squad long enough to make that trip.
For a look at the awkward relationship between the reserved Lynch and the media, this serves as a helpful and hilarious primer.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.