Kenneth Walker III becomes the first running back to win Super Bowl MVP in 28 years
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Kenneth Walker III is entering free agency with a Super Bowl MVP.
Walker capped off a prolific postseason with another big performance on the field in helping the Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots 29-13 on Sunday night for a championship.
Announcement
While the defense carried Seattle for much of the postseason, Walker was once again the engine of the offense rushing for 135 yards and adding 26 receptions for his third consecutive 100-yard game from scrimmage in the postseason. He became the first running back since Terrell Davis 28 years ago to win Super Bowl MVP.
Walker stepped up his game after his backfield mate Zach Charbonnet suffered a season-ending knee injury, and it couldn’t have come at a more important time for the Seahawks or more opportune for Walker.
The 25-year-old running back is in the final year of his rookie contract and is expected to become a free agent in 2026. Thanks to his playoff run, Walker figures to be in line for a significant pay raise.
Walker has gained 413 yards from scrimmage in three wins for Seattle this postseason. He became the first player to top 100 yards from scrimmage in every playoff game for a Super Bowl champion since Terrell Davis did it in back-to-back seasons in 1997-98 for the Broncos.
Announcement
While fantasy football owners and Walker were sometimes frustrated that he didn’t carry a bigger load on offense, especially in the red zone, in the regular season, job-sharing with Charbonnet meant Walker was fresh for the playoffs when he was at his best.
Walker averaged fewer than 15 scrimmage touches per game in the regular season as he had his first 1,000-yard rushing season since his rookie year.
But he averaged nearly 25 touches per game in the playoffs, when he showed he was capable of being a bell-bottom defender.
Walker started quickly with a 10-yard run on the opening snap and had 55 yards on the ground on a field goal later in the first half for the most by any player on a Super Bowl drive in 20 years.
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