Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker's High School Coach Drove 10 Hours to Get Him to Wake Forest

Rich Eisen reflects on the journey of the Seattle Seahawks star running back and how a dedicated assistant coach helped launch his career

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl MVP for the Seattle Seahawks, had humble beginnings that included an assistant high school football coach driving 10 hours to get him to a crucial meeting at Wake Forest University. This act of dedication helped propel Walker's career, leading him to stardom at Michigan State and eventually the NFL. Rich Eisen, a veteran sports analyst, has been a longtime advocate for Walker's talent, questioning why he wasn't drafted higher before the Seahawks selected him.

Why it matters

Walker's story highlights the importance of mentorship and support for young athletes trying to make it to the next level. The sacrifices made by his high school coach Andrew Atkins helped open doors for Walker and contributed to his remarkable journey to becoming a Super Bowl champion and MVP. This narrative also underscores the Seahawks' ability to identify and develop talent, even from humble beginnings.

The details

According to Rich Eisen, when Walker was in high school, his mother and father were unable to drive him to an important meeting at Wake Forest University. That's when his assistant high school football coach, Andrew Atkins, stepped up and drove Walker the 10 hours to the campus so he could connect with the school. Walker ended up attending Michigan State after that, where he had a standout college career, including a dominant performance against Eisen's beloved Michigan Wolverines. Eisen has been a vocal advocate for Walker, questioning why he wasn't drafted higher before the Seahawks selected him.

  • In high school, Walker's assistant coach drove him 10 hours to a crucial meeting at Wake Forest University.
  • Walker then went on to star at Michigan State, including a 197-yard, 5-touchdown game against the undefeated Michigan Wolverines.
  • Walker was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL Draft and went on to win Super Bowl MVP in 2026.

The players

Kenneth Walker III

The Super Bowl MVP for the Seattle Seahawks, who had a remarkable journey to the NFL that included crucial support from his high school assistant coach.

Andrew Atkins

The assistant high school football coach who drove 10 hours to get Kenneth Walker III to a crucial meeting at Wake Forest University, helping launch his college and professional career.

Rich Eisen

A veteran sports analyst who has been a longtime advocate for Kenneth Walker III's talent, questioning why he wasn't drafted higher before the Seahawks selected him.

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What they’re saying

“'His mom and dad couldn't drive him to an important meeting at Wake Forest,' Rich Eisen noted of Walked the morning after the 25 year old was named as the Super Bowl MVP. 'His assistant coach in high school, named Andrew Atkins, drove him the 10 hours to Wake Forest so he could get hooked up with Wake Forest, where he rolled.'”

— Rich Eisen, Sports Analyst (thesportsrush.com)

“'This kid was all that… Kenneth Walker has been on our show's radar screen for a while. To the point where, when he was in the draft, I was like, why is nobody taking him? Where is he right now? Why is nobody taking him? And then the Seattle Seahawks, and John Schneider, because he is really good at his job, eventually did… And he got it done, man. Last night, what a night.'”

— Rich Eisen, Sports Analyst (thesportsrush.com)

What’s next

With Kenneth Walker III set to hit free agency, the Seattle Seahawks will have to decide whether to re-sign the Super Bowl MVP or risk losing him to another team willing to pay top dollar for his services.

The takeaway

Kenneth Walker III's remarkable journey from a high school player relying on his assistant coach's dedication to becoming a Super Bowl MVP showcases the power of mentorship and perseverance in sports. His story is a testament to the impact that small acts of support can have in shaping the careers of young athletes with big dreams.