Marshawn Lynch's 'Bottoms' Casting Was Inspired by Family!

There’s a personal story behind Marshawn Lynch‘s role in Bottoms!

The 37-year-old former NFL running back plays Mr. G in Bottoms, which is directed by Emma Seligman and stars Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri. The comedy film centers on two queer high school students who start a fight club to lose their virginity.

Marshawn‘s Mr. G, a teacher who runs the feminist after-school club is being dubbed a scene-stealer in the film, though the Super Bowl champion’s appearance was inspired by family.

Keep reading to find out more…

Before accepting the role, Marshawn consulted his sister Marreesha Sapp-Lynch, 34, who has identified as a lesbian since high school.

“From the beginning when he read the script, he said that I came to mind,” Marreesha told the People.

Despite positive receptions from her mother, Marreesha said that Marshawn and other brothers David and Davonte were “understanding, but they didn’t understand,” recalling how Marshawn blamed himself for Mareesha not liking boys.

Marshawn has since held a prominent role in his younger sister’s life, having helped plan Marreesha’s 2021 wedding and walked her down the aisle.

Marshawn chose to honor Marreesha with his role in Bottoms, as Emma described his enthusiasm for queer representation in the film.

“In his words, he said he wasn’t amazing about it when Marreesha came out in high school and that he felt like this was the universe giving him a chance to right his wrongs,” Emma told the outlet.

The Shiva Baby director also noted that Marshawn “kept on bringing up Marreesha” throughout the filming of Bottoms.

“He kept on being like, ‘That’s my sister.’ In a way where it was like a proud parent [of queer kids] — a proud brother,” Emma explained.

Check out what critics are saying about Bottoms!