Seahawks GM John Schneider's Awkward Contract Talk with Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III Goes Viral

Schneider's comments about contract negotiations with Walker during the Super Bowl LX parade in Seattle sparked an online reaction.

Feb. 12, 2026 at 5:39pm

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During the Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl LX parade, GM John Schneider was caught on camera making an awkward comment about contract negotiations with MVP running back Kenneth Walker III. Schneider, holding a red Solo cup, told the crowd that Walker had tried to negotiate with him just minutes earlier, calling it 'really weird.' Walker later responded on Instagram, saying Schneider must have been 'drinking' because he never said anything about negotiations. The viral moment came after Walker's standout performance in the Super Bowl, where he rushed for 135 yards and a touchdown to lead the Seahawks to victory.

Why it matters

The exchange between Schneider and Walker highlights the delicate nature of contract negotiations, especially in the aftermath of a championship win. Walker is set to hit free agency this offseason, and the Seahawks will need to work quickly to re-sign the 25-year-old running back, who is projected to command around $9 million per season. Schneider's public comments could complicate those talks, but Walker's lighthearted response suggests the two sides may be able to work things out amicably.

The details

During the Seahawks' Super Bowl LX parade in Seattle, GM John Schneider took the podium and, while holding a red Solo cup, told the crowd that MVP running back Kenneth Walker III had tried to negotiate a new contract with him just minutes earlier, calling it 'really weird.' Walker, standing next to Schneider, smiled and shook his head, appearing uncomfortable with the GM's comments. After the parade, Walker addressed the situation on his Instagram story, writing 'Must've been da liquor he drinking cuz I never said dat shi!' along with two laughing emojis.

  • The Super Bowl LX parade took place on Wednesday, February 12, 2026 in Seattle.
  • Walker was named Super Bowl MVP after the Seahawks' victory on February 11, 2026.

The players

John Schneider

The general manager of the Seattle Seahawks.

Kenneth Walker III

The 25-year-old running back who was named Super Bowl MVP after the Seahawks' victory.

Zach Charbonnet

The Seahawks' other starting running back, who suffered a season-ending injury during the playoffs.

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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, General Manager, Seattle Seahawks (wxbc1043.com)

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

— Kenneth Walker III (Instagram)

What’s next

The Seahawks and Kenneth Walker III will need to negotiate a new contract this offseason, with Walker's market value currently projected around $9 million per season. The awkward exchange at the parade could complicate those talks, but both sides seem committed to working out a deal.

The takeaway

This viral moment from the Seahawks' Super Bowl parade highlights the delicate nature of contract negotiations in the NFL, especially when they occur in the public eye immediately after a championship win. While Schneider's comments may have been ill-timed, Walker's lighthearted response suggests the two sides can likely work out an agreement that keeps the young running back in Seattle for the long term.