Seahawks GM's Parade Contract Joke Backfires with Super Bowl MVP

Kenneth Walker III refutes Schneider's claim that he tried to negotiate a new contract during the celebration.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider jokingly tried to negotiate a new contract with Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III during the team's victory parade, but Walker later took to Instagram to refute Schneider's claims, blaming it on the GM's apparent intoxication.

Why it matters

Schneider's public comments about negotiating with Walker could impact the running back's future contract negotiations with the Seahawks, as his comments may have unintentionally increased Walker's perceived value on the open market.

The details

During the Seahawks' Super Bowl 2026 parade celebration, a seemingly tipsy Schneider started negotiating with himself about a new contract for Walker, the game's MVP. However, Walker later took to Instagram to say that never happened and Schneider must have been "drinking" when he made those remarks.

  • The incident occurred during the Seahawks' Super Bowl 2026 victory parade on Wednesday.

The players

John Schneider

The general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, who was celebrating his second Super Bowl win as the team's GM.

Kenneth Walker III

The Seattle Seahawks running back who was named Super Bowl MVP after rushing for 135 yards on 27 carries.

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What they’re saying

“Ken Walker being the MVP, let's go! He tried negotiating with me five minutes ago. It was really weird. Anyway. hey, M-V-P! M-V-P!”

— John Schneider, Seahawks General Manager (nypost.com)

“Must've been da liquor he drinking cuz I never said dat shi!”

— Kenneth Walker III (Instagram)

What’s next

The Seahawks will need to do some damage control with Walker to ensure his contract negotiations are not impacted by Schneider's ill-advised comments during the parade.

The takeaway

Schneider's public negotiating joke during the Seahawks' Super Bowl parade celebration backfired, as it may have unintentionally increased the perceived value of MVP running back Kenneth Walker III, potentially complicating future contract talks between the player and the team.