Kenneth Walker III father watched in person for the first time as his son rushed for 135 yards in the Seattle Seahawks’ 29–13 win over the New England Patriots on February 8, 2026, earning Super Bowl LX MVP honors.
On February 8, 2026, inside Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Kenneth Walker III delivered the kind of performance that reshapes narratives. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29–13 in Super Bowl LX, and it was Walker who powered the offense with 135 rushing yards on 27 carries, plus 26 receiving yards. As a result, he became the first running back in 28 years to earn Super Bowl MVP honors.
More importantly, this wasn’t just a stat-line victory. After stepping into a heavier workload during the postseason, Walker topped 100 yards from scrimmage in all three playoff games, finishing with 413 total yards. In a league often dominated by quarterbacks, his ground performance reminded fans that championship football can still run straight through the backfield.
Kenneth Walker Jr. and Shaunteshia Brown: The Family Foundation Behind Kenneth Walker III’s Rise
Before he became the engine of the Seattle backfield, Kenneth Walker III was a kid growing up in Arlington, Tennessee, a suburb just outside Memphis.
Born on October 20, 2000, Walker was raised in a tight-knit but busy household that shaped far more than his athletic ability. His early environment, rooted in structure, sacrifice, and accountability, forms the backbone of the Kenneth Walker III upbringing story that continues to define his career.
Walker grew up in a large family. His parents, Kenneth Walker Jr. and Shaunteshia Brown, have seven children together, and he often speaks about the closeness of that group. “We’re all super close,” he once shared, noting he has three older sisters, an older brother, and two younger brothers.
In a house with that many personalities, competition came naturally, but so did responsibility. Daily life wasn’t glamorous; it revolved around school, chores, and structured routines. That environment fostered resilience early on.
His parents separated when he was around seven, yet both remained deeply involved in his development. That steady, dual presence became central to the Kenneth Walker III family background narrative. Brown, in particular, provided stability in the Memphis area household, balancing discipline with emotional support.
During his high school health scare when blood clots in his lungs threatened his football future, she refused to let fear dictate the outcome. Walker has credited both parents for keeping him grounded, especially during moments of doubt about his future.
“They just told me not to make a decision based on emotion.”
Kenneth Walker III
He recalled during Super Bowl week.
In interviews, Walker has emphasized that work ethic in his household wasn’t motivational talk; it was expected behavior. That distinction highlights the deeper parental influence in sports: some families cheer from the sidelines, while others quietly build the character that sustains long-term success.
How Kenneth Walker Jr. Shaped His Son’s Path to the NFL
Long before the spotlight found him, Kenneth Walker III’s father’s role in NFL success was already taking shape in Tennessee backyards and makeshift home gyms.
Kenneth Walker Jr., who worked night shifts at Rich Products, would come home and train his son at dawn. Those sessions were intense by Walker’s own admission; there were tears at times, but they built the physical and mental edge that defined his high school career at Arlington.
His father wasn’t a sideline screamer; instead, he focused on preparation behind the scenes. That athletic mentorship laid the groundwork for Walker’s 3,000-plus rushing yards across his final prep seasons.
As Walker navigated college football development first at Wake Forest, then transferring to Michigan State in 2021, his father remained part of the decision-making circle.
The move proved transformative. Walker exploded for 1,636 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, winning the Doak Walker Award and entering the Heisman conversation. Throughout the surge in national attention, Kenneth Walker III’s father’s support system kept him grounded.
That same foundation carried into the 2022 NFL Draft, when the Seattle Seahawks selected him 41st overall. Rather than chase the Vegas spotlight, Walker stayed home with family, a decision that reflected the values instilled years earlier.
The Super Bowl LX Moment — A Father Watching His Son Make History
On February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Kenneth Walker III delivered the biggest performance of his career. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29–13 in Super Bowl LX, with Walker rushing for 135 yards on 27 carries and adding 26 receiving yards. The effort earned him Super Bowl MVP, making him the first running back in 28 years to claim the award.
However, the moment meant even more for the Kenneth Walker III family. For the first time, Kenneth Walker III’s father, Kenneth Walker Jr., attended an NFL game in person. Though he often visited Seattle, he had previously avoided games due to discomfort with large crowds. This time, he showed up and watched his son make history.
“I didn’t think he would come,”
Kenneth Walker III
From early morning workouts after his father’s night shifts to the Super Bowl stage, the journey came full circle. The victory wasn’t just about football; it reflected years of discipline, sacrifice, and the steady influence of an NFL family built on character as much as talent.
AI Overview:
Kenneth Walker III is a 25-year-old running back for the Seattle Seahawks who rose from a disciplined football upbringing in Arlington, Tennessee, to become Super Bowl LX MVP in 2026. Drafted 41st overall in 2022, Walker has emerged as a cornerstone of Seattle’s offense, recording 3,555 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns through the 2025 season. His success reflects not only elite production on the field but also the strong family foundation and mentorship that shaped his journey from high school standout to NFL champion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Kenneth Walker III’s estimated net worth in 2026?
As of early 2026, his net worth is estimated to be between $8 million and $10 million, largely stemming from his NFL salary and endorsement earnings.
How long is his current NFL contract?
Walker’s rookie deal runs through the end of the 2025 season and includes guaranteed money and a substantial signing bonus, forming the primary source of his career earnings to date.
What position does Kenneth Walker III play?
He is a running back for the Seattle Seahawks. He wears No. 9 and is 5 ft 9 in, 211 pounds.
What are Kenneth Walker III’s key career achievements?
He was drafted 41st overall in 2022 and has won Super Bowl LX and Super Bowl MVP. Through 2025, he has 3,555 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns.
