Athletes from “mainstream sports” have utilized MMA training in their offseason training regimen for several years, but one of the best running backs in the NFL is currently utilizing an MMA coach to rehab from injury.

Marshawn Lynch has utilized the services of San Francisco-based MMA coach Tareq Azim since 2013 and is once again leaning on his services as he attempts to come back from a sports hernia surgery according to FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer.

Azim is the longtime coach of Jake Shields and has worked with other Bay Area based fighters in the past. He is a former NCAA football player who played linebacker at Fresno State University and has been one of the top men in MMA training for NFL players in recent years. He has worked to introduce both training techniques for strength and conditioning as well as techniques that can be utilized on the field.

Lynch has not played since Week 10 of the NFL season, but Seattle Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll recently said that he believes there is a “really good chance” that Lynch will return by the end of the regular and any playoff run the team may make.

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