NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Kenneth Walker III cemented 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 being named MVP in that win over the New England Patriots in February.
But many wondered what Walker, an impending free agent, would do in the offseason: stay in Seattle or go elsewhere on the market.
During the Super Bowl LX parade in Seattle, Seahawks GM John Schneider had an awkward moment with Walker that went viral after telling “The 12” in the crowd that he was trying to negotiate a new contract with him during the festivities. Walker denied it on his Instagram Stories later, but the tune was different when things calmed down.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III runs against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX 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 deal worth $43.1 million with the Kansas City Chiefs, which ranks 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 didn’t see him say it, but you know how they are with running backs or you know how it is in this business,” Walker told Pakinomist 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 up to him.
“But yeah, I don’t really care about that. I’m focused on what I have to do here, learning the playbook and making an impact where I am right now.”
SEAHAWKS GM JOHN SCHNEIDER GOES VIRAL AFTER AWKWARD KENNETH WALKER III CONTRACT TALK AT SUPER BOWL LX PARADE
Schneider said Walker was outstanding for the Seahawks during his time with the franchise, but he pointed to George Holani and newcomer Emmanuel Wilson, who joined the team from the Green Bay Packers. Zach Charbonnet, who worked with Walker, is also recovering from a torn ACL heading into the 2026 season.
Schneider also made sure to draft a running back high last month, securing Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price with the final pick of the first round.
But Walker doesn’t care what his former team is doing now. Aside from leaving his teammates, Walker enjoyed what the Chiefs brought to the table during the free agency period, agreeing to terms on Day One. And seeing quarterback Patrick Mahomes get overwhelmed by a social media post when Walker signed made it that much sweeter.
“It’s been great,” Walker said of getting used to Mahomes. “You can see the type of leader he is. He’s really vocal. He controls a lot of things on offense and stuff. He’s also really humble. Getting to know him has been really cool. Meeting everybody else on the team, too. It’s been cool to be able to bond and we’re going to continue to build that bond as we go throughout the year.”
Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider speaks to the media during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., on Feb. 24, 2026. (Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)
Walker secured his second career 1,000-yard rushing season with the Seahawks in 2025, and he admitted he was aware the Chiefs haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Kareem Hunt did it in 2017.
As he thinks about it, he knows the Chiefs signed him and paid him top-tier money to make an impact, whether it’s on the ground or through the air. And forget last season, regardless of the accolades that came with it.
Walker is looking for more than just one memorable season as he tackles this next chapter in the Midwest.
“I’m not happy with it, frankly. I can’t lie,” he said. “As long as you play the game, you really don’t get satisfied with anything until you retire, I guess. My goal is really to make a positive impact in any way I can. I want to go out 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 news conference at Moscone Center West in San Francisco, California on February 9, 2026. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
WALKER’S TOOTH-BRUSHING BOBESSION
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.
That made the collaboration with Oral-B, the official toothbrush of the NFL, a no-brainer for the Michigan State product. Oral-B’s iO Series electric toothbrush can be found in every locker room throughout the NFL, and since starting his routine in middle school, Walker will now use it in Kansas City as a good luck charm before putting on the pads.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
“I’ve definitely brushed my teeth before. Growing up, my pops would always harp on it. So brush my teeth before games and everything. I’ve got to do it,” he said.
“Oral health, a lot of people overlook. I feel like it’s really important. It can have effects on other parts of your body. It’s important to have your oral health in top shape.”
