Kenneth Walker III Crowned Super Bowl MVP

Seahawks running back becomes first at his position to earn the honor in 28 years

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III had a standout performance in Super Bowl LX, rushing for 135 yards on 27 carries and leading his team to a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots. Walker's dominant showing made him the first player at his position to be named Super Bowl MVP since 1998, a feat that has become increasingly rare in the NFL's pass-heavy modern era.

Why it matters

Walker's MVP performance is a testament to the enduring value of elite running backs in the NFL, even as the league has become more pass-oriented in recent years. His success could help shift the narrative around the running back position and potentially lead to higher salaries and more respect for top-tier players at that spot.

The details

Walker, nicknamed "Thundershoes" in his youth for the light-up cleats he wore, had three of the Seahawks' four longest plays in the game, including a 49-yard touchdown run that was negated by a holding penalty. He finished the postseason with 313 rushing yards, 104 receiving yards, and four total touchdowns, capping off an impressive three-game stretch. The 25-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March, and his Super Bowl MVP performance could significantly boost his earning potential.

  • Kenneth Walker III was nicknamed "Thundershoes" as an eighth grader in Arlington, Tennessee.
  • In the spring of 2018, before his senior year of high school, Walker was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs and was told he might have played his last snap of football.
  • Walker rushed for 1,403 yards and 27 touchdowns as a senior in high school and earned a scholarship to Wake Forest, where he played for two seasons before transferring to Michigan State.
  • On February 9, 2026, Kenneth Walker III was named Super Bowl LX MVP after leading the Seattle Seahawks to a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots.

The players

Kenneth Walker III

A 25-year-old running back for the Seattle Seahawks who was named Super Bowl LX MVP after rushing for 135 yards and leading his team to victory.

John Schneider

The general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, who expressed happiness for Walker's success and the potential boost to his earning power as a free agent.

Eric Saubert

A tight end for the Seattle Seahawks who praised Walker as a deserving recipient of the Super Bowl MVP award.

Rashid Shaheed

A wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks who described Walker as a "super humble guy" who likely won't boast about his accomplishment.

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What they’re saying

“I'm happy for him. You want to see people be able to take care of their families and do whatever they can do to increase their earning power.”

— John Schneider, General Manager, Seattle Seahawks

“It couldn't happen to a better person.”

— Eric Saubert, Tight End, Seattle Seahawks

“He's a super humble guy, man. He probably won't talk about this at all, but he deserves it.”

— Rashid Shaheed, Wide Receiver, Seattle Seahawks

What’s next

Kenneth Walker III will become an unrestricted free agent in March, and his Super Bowl MVP performance could significantly increase his value on the open market.

The takeaway

Kenneth Walker III's dominant Super Bowl MVP performance is a reminder of the enduring importance of elite running backs in the NFL, even as the league has become more pass-oriented in recent years. His success could help shift the narrative around the position and potentially lead to higher salaries and more respect for top-tier players at that spot.