Marshawn Lynch sends Seattle Seahawks fans Skittles crazy ahead of Super Bowl

What have the Seattle Seahawks, the Super Bowl and Skittles got in common? The answer - Marshawn Lynch. Ahead of this weekend's big game, the CBC's Jeremy Allingham looks at Lynch's love for 'tasting the rainbow.'

Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch will be a big key to the team's success against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX this Sunday in Phoenix, Ariz. 

Lynch is most famous for his punishing running style, his nonchalant attitude and his electrifying runs that have literally shaken the earth. 

So what kind of fuel keeps 96 kg of pure muscle hurtling down the field, punishing all of those who dare step in his path, and seemingly, scoring touchdowns at will?

You might be guessing a pasta carbo-load, or a nice barbecue chicken. What about a refreshing sports drink? No, Lynch leans on Skittles during breaks in play to keep him going.

The five-time pro bowler has been eating the candy on the sideline for as long as he can remember. His mom called them "power pellets" back when he played little league football in the Bay Area of California. 

The Skittles phenomenon has spread through Seahawks nation. Fans routinely shower Lynch in Skittles when he scores a touchdown.

Taking inspiration from Lynch's aggressive nickname, a local Seattle butcher has even created what it calls a "Beast Mode Sausage" — with Skittles in it.

Mars, Skittles' parent company, also caught onto the phenomenon and signed Lynch to an endorsement deal last year.

And you can be sure they'll be hoping Lynch gets spotted on the sideline during Sunday's game as millions of viewers from around the world tune in.