Kenneth Walker III’s fast start with Chiefs came after uncertain offseason

The Super Bowl MVP has rushed for an NFL-leading 537 yards through his first four games with Kansas City.

BY ROB MAADDI, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Oct 9, 2026, 11:19 AM

Kansas City Chiefs Kenneth Walker touchdown run 2026...

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III runs for a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 4. (Chris Unger/Getty Images)

(Chris Unger/Getty Images)

Kenneth Walker III had moments of uncertainty after the Super Bowl MVP helped the Seattle Seahawks win the Lombardi Trophy in February.

Facing free agency for the first time, Walker wasn’t sure about his future. The Kansas City Chiefs are happy he joined them.

Walker has already run for 537 yards and four touchdowns, helping the Chiefs start 4-0. He’s on pace to rush for 2,282 yards, which would set an NFL record for most yards in a season.

“It was a lot during the offseason, not knowing where you’ll end up at and how everything will work out, but I got two great agents and talking over everything with my pops was a help as well,” Walker said on the AP’s “Football Unfiltered” podcast. “Ended up here and it’s been a blessing.”

Walker’s presence has added a new dimension to Kansas City’s offense, taking pressure off Patrick Mahomes and giving the unit more balance to prevent defenses from focusing on taking away the pass.

The Chiefs haven’t had a running back gain 1,000 yards in a season since Mahomes became the starting quarterback in 2018. Walker is aware of it and could reach that total by midseason.

“I knew the season could be special the way we worked in OTAs and training camp, the work we put in to get to this point,” Walker said. “And, I pray we continue to be successful throughout the season.”

Mahomes lobbied hard for the Chiefs to get Walker in free agency. While he was recovering from ACL surgery, he reportedly texted GM Brett Veach several times about Walker during the NFL playoffs.

Walker had 312 yards rushing and four TDs in three playoff games, including 135 yards on 27 carries in Seattle’s 29-13 win over New England in the Super Bowl.

“We’re able to just talk off the field about anything. It’s not always about football,” Walker said of his relationship with Mahomes. “So first off, with me, that means a lot when everything is not just about football. But on the field, even just throwing me the ball or relying on me for anything, the confidence that he has in me, it means a lots to me.”

Walker said what surprised him most about the culture in Kansas City was the team’s tough work ethic.

“Going through training camp, it was a grind, those hot days and early mornings, late nights,” he said. “It was just a grind going through that, but even throughout the week, the practices that we have, it’s a grind. But it makes it much easier to go into the game and play at our best.”

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