Kenneth Walker III aims to end Chiefs’ 1,000-yard rushing drought

Kenneth Walker III established himself as one of the best running backs in the NFL last season, not only playing a big role in helping the Seattle Seahawks reach Super Bowl LX, but also being named MVP in that win over the New England Patriots in February.

But many wondered what Walker, an impending free agent, would do this offseason: stay in Seattle or head elsewhere on the market.

During the Super Bowl LX parade in Seattle, Seahawks general manager John Schneider had an awkward moment with Walker that went viral after he told the “12” in the crowd that he tried to negotiate a new contract with him during the festivities.

Walker later denied this on his Instagram Stories, but the tone was different when things calmed down.

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Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III runs during the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

Walker, one of the top free agents on the market, signed a three-year contract worth $43.1 million with the Kansas City Chiefs, who rank fourth in average annual value among NFL running backs. When asked about losing the Super Bowl MVP, Schneider said it was “a position where you can find guys.”

“I haven’t seen him say it, but you know how they deal with running backs, or you know how it goes in this industry,” Walker told Fox News Digital of Schneider’s statement, while also discussing his partnership with Oral-B. “They feel like they can replace you like that. So if you think that way, it’s his fault.

“But yeah, I don’t really pay attention to it. I focus on what I need to do here, learn the playbook and make an impact where I’m at right now.”

SEAHAWKS GM JOHN SCHNEIDER GOES VIRAL AFTER EVIL DISCUSSION ABOUT KENNETH WALKER III’S CONTRACT AT SUPER BOWL LX PARADE

Schneider said Walker was outstanding for the Seahawks during his time with the franchise, but he pointed out George Holani and newcomer Emanuel Wilson, who joined the team from the Green Bay Packers. Zach Charbonnet, who worked in tandem with Walker, is also recovering from a torn ACL ahead of the 2026 season.

Schneider also made sure to draft a record running back last month, securing Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price with the final pick of the first round.

But Walker doesn’t care what his old team is doing right now. Besides leaving his teammates, Walker appreciated what the Chiefs brought to the table during the free agency tampering period, agreeing to terms from day one. And seeing quarterback Patrick Mahomes get excited about a social media post when Walker signed made things even sweeter.

“It’s been great,” Walker said of getting acclimated to Mahomes. “You see what type of leader he is. He really speaks his mind. He controls a lot of things on offense and things like that. He’s very humble too. Getting to know him has been really cool. Meeting everyone else on the team as well. It’s been cool to bond and we’ll continue to build that bond as the year goes on.”

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider speaks to the media during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on February 24, 2026. (Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)

Walker had his second career 1,000-yard rushing season with the Seahawks in 2025, and he admitted to being aware that the Chiefs haven’t had a 1,000-yard rush since Kareem Hunt did it in 2017.

While that concerns him, he knows the Chiefs signed him and paid him blue-chip money to make an impact, whether on the ground or through the air. And forget last season, whatever accolades came with it.

Walker is looking for more than just a memorable season as he enters this next chapter in the Midwest.

“Honestly, I’m not happy with it. I can’t lie,” he said. “As long as you’re playing, you’re not really going to be satisfied with anything until you retire, I guess. My goal is really to make a positive impact in any way possible. I want to go out there and play and help the team win games.”

Super Bowl LX MVP and Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III speaks to the media during a press conference at Moscone Center West in San Francisco on February 9, 2026. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

WALKER’S TEETH BRUSHING OBSESSION

Chiefs players and coaches will quickly learn that Walker’s pregame routine must involve brushing his teeth before stepping foot on the field. And he is very serious about his oral hygiene.

Partnering with Oral-B, the official toothbrush of the NFL, became a no-brainer for the Michigan State product. Oral-B’s iO Series electric toothbrush is a fixture in every NFL locker room, and since he started his routine in middle school, Walker will now use it in Kansas City as a good luck charm before putting on his towels.

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“I definitely have to brush my teeth before. Growing up, my dads always talked about it. So, I brush my teeth before games and everything else. I have to do it,” he said.

“Oral health, a lot of people neglect it. I feel like it’s very important. It can affect other parts of your body. It’s important to have your oral health in tip-top shape.”

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