Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III made history on Sunday night, becoming the first running back in 28 years to win Super Bowl MVP honors after powering his team to a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots. Walker's dominant performance of 135 rushing yards on 27 carries broke a streak that had seen quarterbacks claim the award for over two decades, marking a triumphant return to relevance for NFL running backs on the league's biggest stage.
How the Historic MVP Performance Unfolded
Walker's journey to Super Bowl LX MVP began weeks before the championship game, when backup running back Zach Charbonnet suffered a season-ending ACL injury in the NFC Championship game. Thrust into the bell-cow role, Walker responded with what became the defining performance of his career. By the second quarter, he had already joined elite company with multiple 25-yard runs in a Super Bowl, matching accomplishments previously achieved by legends like Timmy Smith and Marcus Allen.
Despite not finding the end zone himself—Seattle's only offensive touchdown came from tight end A.J. Barner—Walker's relentless ground attack consistently put the Seahawks in scoring position. His efforts directly contributed to kicker Jason Myers' perfect 5-for-5 field goal performance, as Seattle built an insurmountable 19-0 lead before New England finally scored in the fourth quarter. Walker finished with 161 total yards (135 rushing, 26 receiving), marking the second-highest rushing total of his career including playoffs.
Timeline: The Road to a Historic MVP Award
The path to Walker's MVP moment followed a compelling narrative arc that began long before Super Bowl Sunday. After winning the Doak Walker Award as college football's best running back at Michigan State, Walker entered the NFL with high expectations but faced questions about his durability. His breakthrough 2025 season set the stage, but it was the NFC Championship injury to Charbonnet that forced Seattle to rely heavily on their featured back.
On Super Bowl Sunday, Walker's dominance became apparent early as he outgained the entire Patriots offense in the first half. His 135 rushing yards now stand tied for eighth-most in Super Bowl history, and he became just the fourth running back this century to win the award—joining Terrell Davis (1998), Emmitt Smith (1994), and John Riggins (1983). The timing proved particularly poignant as Walker's father, who had never seen him play in an NFL game due to crowd anxiety, witnessed the historic performance in person.
Why This MVP Selection Matters for the NFL
Walker's MVP award represents more than just individual recognition—it signals a potential shift in how running backs are valued in the modern NFL. In an era dominated by quarterback play and passing attacks, Walker's success demonstrated that a traditional ground game can still decide championships. His performance came against the NFL's top-ranked defense, as Seattle's offensive line created running lanes against a Patriots unit that had stifled opponents throughout the postseason.
The selection also sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some arguing that kicker Jason Myers deserved consideration after his perfect field goal performance. However, the MVP voters clearly valued Walker's consistent dominance and the historical significance of a running back breaking the quarterback stranglehold on the award. As NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger noted, "Walker didn't just have a good game—he controlled the tempo, wore down the defense, and delivered exactly what his team needed when they needed it most."
Latest Updates on Walker's Free Agency Future
Walker's MVP performance couldn't have come at a better time for his career trajectory. The fourth-year running back is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent when the new NFL season begins next month, and his Super Bowl showcase significantly increased his market value. Teams in need of a featured back will likely view Walker as a franchise cornerstone, with his combination of youth, production, and now championship pedigree.
Seattle faces a difficult decision about whether to use the franchise tag or work out a long-term extension with their newly-minted Super Bowl hero. General Manager John Schneider acknowledged the challenge, stating, "Kenneth showed us exactly what he's capable of on the biggest stage. We know what he means to this organization, and we'll work diligently to keep him in Seattle." The Seahawks have approximately $30 million in cap space for the 2026 season, giving them flexibility to retain their championship core.
What's Next for the Historic Super Bowl MVP
Following his Disneyland celebration with teammates, Walker now faces an offseason that could redefine his career and financial future. His MVP performance has positioned him for what could be the most lucrative running back contract in recent NFL history, potentially resetting a market that has seen declining values for the position. Beyond financial considerations, Walker's place in NFL history is now secure as the running back who broke the 28-year MVP drought.
As the Seahawks begin their championship defense preparations, Walker's development will be crucial to their repeat aspirations. Head coach Mike Macdonald emphasized the importance of building around their new star: "Kenneth proved he can carry the load when it matters most. We'll continue to develop our offense around his skills, and we're excited about what the future holds." With training camp several months away, Walker's immediate focus will be on recovery before what promises to be a transformative offseason.
Key Takeaways from the Historic MVP Performance
- Kenneth Walker III became the first running back since Terrell Davis in 1998 to win Super Bowl MVP
- His 135 rushing yards rank eighth in Super Bowl history and powered Seattle's 29-13 victory
- The performance came after backup Zach Charbonnet's ACL injury forced Walker into a featured role
- Walker's father witnessed his first NFL game and saw his son earn MVP honors
- The Seahawks running back enters free agency with dramatically increased value after his championship showcase
