Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch, the self-described quiet man of the NFL, stole the show at Super Bowl Media Day on Tuesday, but his act got mixed reviews.
The famously reticent Lynch, fined $US50,000 ($A63,000) already this season for failing to meet the media obligations imposed by the league, paid lip service to those requirements with a brief and unilluminating appearance in a bid to avert further sanctions.
Hustled to his podium through a throng of reporters, Lynch made it clear he was counting the minutes.
"When does my time start? Oh, it's started," he said.
"Well, let me say, I'm just here so I won't get fined."
With his eyes masked by sunglasses and a relaxed smile, Lynch repeated the phrase in answer to every question posed: "I'm just here so I won't get fined."
Those counting tallied 29 repetitions before Lynch called out "Time!" and departed after four minutes and 51 seconds.
ESPN had reported that Lynch would have been subject to a $US500,000 ($A630,000) fine from the NFL had he not attended Media Day - a Super Bowl week institution that now includes an audience of paying fans.
Some critics were already suggesting he should be fined anyway, but his Seahawks teammates backed him.
"This is who he is," said Seahawks defender Earl Thomas.
"I don't nitpick or judge, so I just accept a person for who they are."
Lynch's pre-game travails won't end with Media Day, with press sessions also scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday before the Seahawks take on the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 49 on Sunday.
The 28-year-old is also under scrutiny after being fined for his crotch-grabbing touchdown celebration in the Seahawks' thrilling 28-22 overtime win over Green Bay in the NFC championship game.
The victory put the reigning champion Seahawks back into the NFL's championship showcase, with a chance to become the first team since New England a decade ago to win back-to-back titles.
Lynch's explosive on-field talents were on full display as the Seahawks rallied from a 16-0 halftime deficit against the Packers.
He gained 120 of his 157 rushing yards after halftime to help the Seahawks overcome four interceptions thrown by quarterback Russell Wilson.
"He has a way that we have embraced. We understand Marshawn and we support him every way that we can," said Seattle coach Pete Carroll.
"He is a very unique guy and he's got his own way of looking at things and he's also a very private person, too. That's why the media thing is as it is."
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