NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
Kenneth Walker III established himself as one of the NFL’s best running backs last season, not only playing a major role in helping the Seattle Seahawks reach Super Bowl LX, but also being named MVP in that victory 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 head elsewhere in 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 telling “The 12” in the crowd that he tried to negotiate a new contract with him during the festivities. Walker later denied it on his Instagram Stories, but the tune was different when things calmed down.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
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 the loss of 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 runners, or you know what it’s like in this industry,” Walker told Pak Gazette Digital of Schneider’s statement, while also discussing his partnership with Oral-B. “They feel like they can replace you that way. So if you think that way, it’s up to him.
“But yeah, I don’t really pay attention to that. I’m focused on what I have to do here, learn the playbook and make an impact where I’m at right now.”
SEAHAWKS GM JOHN SCHNEIDER GOES VIRAL AFTER KENNETH WALKER III’S UNCOMFORTABLE CONTRACT TALK AT SUPER BOWL LX PARADE
Schneider said Walker was outstanding for the Seahawks during his time with the franchise, but pointed to George Holani and newcomer Emmanuel Wilson, who joined the team from the Green Bay Packers. Zach Charbonnet, who worked alongside Walker, is also recovering from a torn ACL heading into the 2026 season.
Schneider also made sure to select a high running back last month, securing Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price with the last pick of the first round.
But Walker doesn’t care what his former team is doing now. In addition to leaving his teammates, Walker enjoyed what the Chiefs brought to the table during the tampering period of free agency, agreeing to terms on the first day. And seeing quarterback Patrick Mahomes get excited with a social media post when Walker signed made it that much sweeter.
“It’s been great,” Walker said of getting acclimated with Mahomes. “You see what kind of leader he is. He’s very vocal. He controls a lot of things on offense and things like that. He’s also very humble. Getting to know him has been really cool. Getting to know everyone else on the team as well. It’s been great to be able to bond and we’ll 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, Indiana on February 24, 2026. (Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)
Walker secured his second career 1,000-yard rushing season with the Seahawks in 2025, and admitted to being aware that the Chiefs haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Kareem Hunt did it in 2017.
While he has that in mind, he knows the Chiefs signed him and paid him top dollar to make an impact whether it’s on the ground or in the air. And forget about last season, regardless of the praise that accompanied it.
Walker is looking for more than just one memorable season as he approaches this next chapter in the Midwest.
“Honestly, I’m not satisfied with it. I can’t lie,” he said. “As long as you play, you won’t be satisfied with anything until you retire, I guess. My goal is 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 addresses the media during a press conference at Moscone Center West in San Francisco, California on February 9, 2026. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
WALKER’S OBSESSION WITH BRUSHING YOUR TEETH
Chiefs players and coaches will quickly learn that Walker’s pregame routine should include brushing his teeth before stepping foot on the field. And he takes his oral hygiene very seriously.
It made partnering with Oral-B, the official toothbrush of the NFL, a no-brainer for the Michigan State product. Oral-B’s iO Series electric toothbrush is featured in every NFL locker room, and since its routine began in high school, Walker will now use it in Kansas City as a good luck charm before putting on pads.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
“I definitely have to brush my teeth before. Growing up, my dad always insisted on that. So brushing my teeth before games and everything else. I have to do it,” he said.
“A lot of people overlook oral health. I feel it’s very important. It can have effects on other parts of the body. Having optimal oral health is important.”
