Kenneth Walker III has quietly become one of the most reliable running backs in the NFL, leading the Seattle Seahawks in rushing in each of the past four seasons. That consistency carries extra weight this year, as Walker has been central to Seattle’s surge to the top of the NFC West under second-year head coach Mike Macdonald.
On pace for his second 1,000-yard rushing season as a pro, Walker has helped position the Seahawks just two wins away from clinching the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Ahead of Seattle’s matchup with the Carolina Panthers, Walker spoke about his season, his teammates, and the mindset that has fueled both his personal growth and the team’s success.
Drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Michigan State, Walker credits execution and preparation for the recent resurgence of Seattle’s running game. After going several weeks without a 100-yard performance, he broke through against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16, a game that also reignited the Seahawks’ momentum.
Walker pointed to improved adjustments and strong offensive line play as the difference, noting that the team emphasized establishing the run throughout the week. He also highlighted the chemistry he shares with fellow running back Zach Charbonnet, describing their partnership as collaborative rather than competitive. According to Walker, the two feed off each other’s energy and share a mutual goal of attacking whoever lines up across from them.
That Rams game also featured one of the most unusual moments of the Seahawks’ season — a chaotic late two-point conversion that was initially confusing but ultimately upheld after replay review. Walker said his reaction was instinctual, referencing the team’s “EAT drill,” a philosophy centered on recovering loose balls at all costs. In his mind, possession is everything, no matter the situation.
The dramatic comeback against a division rival, Walker believes, could be a turning point for Seattle. Falling behind by 16 points tested the team’s resolve, but no one panicked. Instead, the Seahawks rallied, showing resilience that Walker sees as vital heading into the final stretch of the season.
Much of that resilience, Walker says, comes from Macdonald. He describes his head coach as someone whose desire to win is unmistakable, someone who puts players in positions to succeed and brings a contagious energy to the locker room. That mindset has carried over to quarterback Sam Darnold, who has emerged as a steady presence despite early-season doubts.
Walker praised Darnold’s leadership and even-keeled demeanor, noting that turnovers and adversity never seem to shake him. Darnold’s dry, sarcastic sense of humor took some getting used to, but Walker now says it’s part of what makes him such a calming influence within the team.
Away from football, Walker is full of surprises — including his food preferences. Despite growing up in Memphis, he admits he never really liked barbecue. Instead, his go-to comfort food has always been chicken wings, particularly honey gold wings from a local favorite, Ching’s Hot Wings.
Walker also reflected on sharing the field with 44-year-old Philip Rivers earlier this season, calling it surreal to compete against a quarterback he grew up hearing about from his father. While he doubts he’ll still be playing at Rivers’ age, Walker expressed admiration for the veteran’s ability to step back into the league and perform at a high level.
The journey to this point hasn’t always been smooth. Walker revealed that he nearly quit football during his junior year of high school after clashing with a coach. It was his parents who talked him out of making a decision based on emotion, advice that has stuck with him ever since. Ironically, that same coach later became one of Walker’s biggest supporters, even driving him 10 hours to a recruiting visit at Wake Forest. The two remain close today.
Discipline and work ethic have been constants in Walker’s life, instilled early by his father. From the age of four, workouts were non-negotiable, even when they brought tears. The lessons paid off, and Walker now has a full gym in his home, a reminder of the foundation that shaped his career.
Before football took over completely, Walker was also a standout wrestler, winning a state title in eighth grade at 155 pounds. He credits wrestling — particularly techniques like the ankle pick — with helping him develop balance, leverage, and toughness that translate to the football field.
Off the field, Walker’s style mirrors his approach to the game: confident and composed. He favors double-breasted suits but enjoys streetwear as well, believing that looking good helps him feel good — and play even better.
From a near-quit moment in high school to becoming the engine of a Super Bowl contender, Kenneth Walker III’s story is one of resilience, discipline, and steady growth. And as the Seahawks chase the NFC’s top seed, his influence on and off the field continues to grow.