Chiefs' Kenneth Walker III already impressing new teammates

One Kansas City defender who faced Walker in the Super Bowl says the running back is a "dawg"

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:05am

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Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga spoke highly of new teammate Kenneth Walker III, the running back the Chiefs signed in free agency. Tonga faced Walker in the Super Bowl while playing for the New England Patriots, and he was impressed by Walker's speed, patience, and ability to change the play's direction. Walker said he's excited to be part of the Chiefs' winning culture and hopes the team will run the ball more with him in the backfield.

Why it matters

The addition of Walker, who was named Super Bowl MVP, could signal a philosophical shift in the Chiefs' offense towards more designed runs. Walker's speed and elusiveness could provide a boost to the Chiefs' ground game, which has been relatively underutilized in recent seasons under coach Andy Reid.

The details

In the Super Bowl, Walker had a 29-yard run where he started the play heading towards the middle, then quickly bounced it outside, leaving Tonga and a Patriots cornerback in his wake. Walker finished the game with 27 carries for 135 yards. Tonga praised Walker's intelligence and patience as a runner. Walker said he's excited to be part of the Chiefs' winning culture and hopes the team will run the ball more with him in the backfield.

  • Four weeks ago, Tonga faced Walker in Super Bowl LX while playing for the New England Patriots.
  • On Thursday, Walker had his first media appearance with the Chiefs after signing a three-year, $43.1 million contract with $28.7 million guaranteed.

The players

Kenneth Walker III

The new running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, who signed a three-year, $43.1 million contract with the team in free agency. Walker was named Super Bowl MVP after his performance against Tonga's Patriots in the big game.

Khyiris Tonga

The Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle who previously played for the New England Patriots and faced Walker in Super Bowl LX. Tonga praised Walker's speed, intelligence, and ability to change the direction of plays.

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What they’re saying

“He can start in the A-gap, go all the way down to the C-gap, hit all the way to the sideline. I mean, we saw it. The runs were supposed to go in. They ended up going out. He'd pick up about 40 yards.”

— Khyiris Tonga, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle (New York Times)

“You feel appreciated and wanted. That's what everybody wants. I'm just happy to get in here and be able to get to know the guys and work.”

— Kenneth Walker III (New York Times)

What’s next

The Chiefs will look to integrate Walker into their offense and see if his addition leads to an increased emphasis on the running game under coach Andy Reid.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' signing of Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl MVP, signals their intent to bolster their ground game and take some pressure off quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Walker's speed and elusiveness could provide a dynamic element to the Chiefs' offense that was missing at times last season.