Kenneth Walker III is Super Bowl MVP

Kenneth Walker III, running back for the Seattle Seahawks, has been named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl LX. He led his team to victory with strong running plays. This is a special award for a running back, as it has not been given to one in many years.
By Newsroom | Sports, NFL |

Kenneth Walker III, running back for the Seattle Seahawks, has been named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of Super Bowl LX. The award recognizes his significant contributions in the Seahawks' 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium. This marks a historic achievement, as Walker is the first running back to win the Super Bowl MVP award this century, and the eighth in the history of the game.

Kenneth Walker III Named Super Bowl 2026 Game MVP - 1

Walker's performance was central to the Seahawks' offensive strategy, particularly in a game described as having a strong defensive presence. His ability to gain yards through consistent rushing, even when facing a formidable defense, played a key role in controlling the game's pace and contributing to Seattle's second Super Bowl championship.

Kenneth Walker III Named Super Bowl 2026 Game MVP - 2

Key Performance Metrics and Context

Reports indicate Kenneth Walker III recorded 135 rushing yards on 27 carries in the Super Bowl LX game. He also contributed 26 receiving yards on two catches. While he did not score a touchdown in the Super Bowl itself, his yardage accounted for approximately 96 percent of the Seahawks' total rushing yards, which stood at 141. His overall yardage from scrimmage was reported as 161 yards.

Read More: Italian Athletes Do Well at Home in Winter Olympics

Kenneth Walker III Named Super Bowl 2026 Game MVP - 3

Walker's selection as MVP underscores a trend reversal in Super Bowl MVP awards. Prior to this, the most recent running back to receive the honor was Terrell Davis, who achieved this feat in Super Bowl XXXII. This historical context highlights the rarity of a running back being recognized with this prestigious award.

Kenneth Walker III Named Super Bowl 2026 Game MVP - 4

Detailed Account of the Game and Walker's Role

The Super Bowl LX matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots concluded with a score of 29-13 in favor of Seattle. The game, played at Levi’s Stadium, was characterized by a strong defensive performance from both sides, with Seattle's defense notably holding the Patriots scoreless through the first three quarters.

  • Offensive Impact: Walker's role was critical in maintaining offensive momentum for the Seahawks. His powerful running, including notable long-yardage plays of 30 and 29 yards on early drives, helped establish the Seahawks' offensive rhythm.

  • Complementary Performance: While Walker was the primary offensive engine, the Seahawks' defense played a significant part in securing the win, limiting the Patriots' scoring opportunities.

  • Playoff Performance Context: Walker's performance in the Super Bowl is framed within a broader context of his elevated play during the postseason. He reportedly averaged nearly 25 touches per game in the playoffs, a notable increase from his regular-season average of less than 15 touches. This increase in usage coincided with the absence of backfield mate Zach Charbonnet, who sustained a season-ending knee injury.

Historical Significance of Walker's MVP Award

Kenneth Walker III's recognition as Super Bowl MVP carries considerable historical weight within the NFL.

Read More: Saints May Pay Big Money for Guard, Lose Key Player

  • Running Back Dominance: He is the first running back to win the award in 28 years, with Terrell Davis being the last recipient in Super Bowl XXXII. This statistic is referenced across multiple reports, emphasizing the drought in running back MVP selections.

  • Eighth Running Back Honoree: Walker joins an esteemed list of running backs who have achieved this distinction. Other notable running backs to have won the award include Emmitt Smith, Marcus Allen, John Riggins, Franco Harris, Larry Csonka, and Ottis Anderson.

  • 21st Century First: Several sources explicitly state that Walker is the first running back in the 21st century to be named Super Bowl MVP, underscoring the rarity of his accomplishment in the modern era of the game.

  • Seahawks' MVP History: Walker is also the first Seahawk to win the award since Malcolm Smith, a linebacker, who received the honor 12 years prior in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Analysis of Walker's Contribution and Future Implications

The MVP award for Kenneth Walker III appears to be a culmination of his sustained impact throughout the season and particularly in the playoffs. His ability to perform at a high level under pressure, especially following the injury to his teammate, has drawn attention.

Read More: Lindsey Vonn Hurt in Ski Race Crash

  • Proving Ground: Walker’s playoff surge, marked by increased touches and yards after contact, suggests a capacity for increased workload and a pivotal role in the team's success. His statistical output in the regular season, including his first 1,000-yard rushing season since his rookie year, laid the groundwork for his postseason heroics.

  • Contractual Significance: The timing of his MVP award is also viewed as a significant factor for his future professional career. Reports suggest that his performance has likely positioned him for a substantial contract in free agency, potentially with the Super Bowl champion Seahawks. Walker himself has expressed a desire to remain with the team, stating, "I'd definitely stay."

  • Statistical Growth: Beyond rushing, his ability to contribute through receiving yards adds another layer to his value as a versatile offensive player. His efficiency metrics, such as a career-low "run stuff percent" and a career-high in yards after contact, indicate development and effectiveness in his play.

Conclusion

Kenneth Walker III's selection as Super Bowl LX MVP is a statistically supported and historically significant event. His performance in leading the Seattle Seahawks to victory over the New England Patriots, combined with his recent playoff dominance, has cemented his status as a key player. The award not only acknowledges his individual contribution to the championship but also highlights the resurgence of the running back position in earning the league's most prestigious individual honor. His future with the Seahawks appears promising, with indications of mutual interest in extending his tenure with the team.

Sources Used:

Read More: Cardinals Not Favored for Super Bowl, Quarterback Future Unclear

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won Super Bowl LX MVP?
Kenneth Walker III, a running back for the Seattle Seahawks, won the MVP award.
Q: How many yards did Kenneth Walker III run for?
He ran for 135 yards on 27 carries.
Q: Is Kenneth Walker III the first running back to win MVP in a long time?
Yes, he is the first running back to win this award in 28 years.
Q: Did Kenneth Walker III score a touchdown in the game?
No, he did not score a touchdown in this game, but his running helped his team win.
Q: Will Kenneth Walker III stay with the Seahawks?
He said he would like to stay with the team.