(KRON) -- Could Marshawn Lynch be the next mayor of Oakland? The former NFL star and Oakland native talked on his podcast Thursday about possibly running to lead the embattled East Bay city. His co-host, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, read off some polling numbers that pointed to Lynch having high approval ratings. The two discussed the possibility at length on their podcast "Politickin'." Newsom said there has been "extensive polling" and focus groups regarding the prospect of Lynch running for Oakland mayor. According to private data shared with Newsom, 43% of people have a favorable opinion of Lynch, and just 7% have an unfavorable opinion. Some others were undecided about "Mayor BeastMode." California lawmakers write letter urging schools to pay athletes directly After people were briefed on Lynch's bio, his favorability rating was 61%, and his unfavorability rating rose to 23%. It bested several other high-profile politicians who were also included in the polling. However, there would be some challenges. Newsom said that people polled want someone "intimately familiar with how government works and operates." Lynch has no political experience. "The bottom line, Marshawn, is your favorable and unfavorable (ratings) put you in a position against anyone else they polled in the field, which is some of the biggest names in California politics from East Bay," Newsom said. He did not name-drop anyone else who was measured in the poll but called them "household names." The nature of the conversation was not totally serious, with Newsom and Lynch both cracking jokes. Lynch did say "it might be a possibility." Oakland could soon be looking for a new mayor, as its current one, Sheng Thao, is facing a recall election. Thao's house was raided by the FBI in June. Lynch attended Oakland Tech High School and played football at UC Berkeley before going to the NFL. His easygoing and authentic personality has made him a popular figure on and off the field.