Kenneth Walker III, the running back who was an impactful player for our Seattle Seahawks in the lead-up to our Super Bowl LX victory earlier this year, is now ranked No. 9 overall in Sports Illustrated’s top 10 running backs for the 2026 season. Yeah, you read that right. Our guy, who bled blue and green with us, is lighting up the league and getting national recognition, but he is doing it somewhere else. It is a tough pill to swallow for the 12s, especially when you remember everything he did for the Emerald City.
That 2025 Dominance Still Echoes
The numbers from his 2025 season speak for themselves, and they are why he is cracking the top 10. Sports Illustrated’s Mike Kadlick pointed out that Walker earned Pro Football Focus’s highest rushing grade in 2025, hitting an insane 91.4. That is elite, folks. But he was not just a ground-pounder, either. Our man hauled in 31 receptions for 202 receiving yards, showcasing that versatility we all loved to see. Kadlick noted that this pass-catching ability is a big plus for his new coach, Andy Reid, who loves to get his running backs involved in the aerial attack. This all came after he rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 2025, a season where he was a true bell cow. He was doing it all.
An Elite Future, A Bitter Past
With those kinds of stats and that high-level play, it is no surprise that he has the potential to put up even more impressive numbers in Kansas City next season. This could solidify his status as a top 10 running back and potentially launch him into the highest tier of elite players at his position. For us, the 12s, it is a bittersweet moment. We saw that potential. We witnessed his impact directly, especially in the lead-up to that Super Bowl LX championship. He was a critical part of bringing that trophy home. To see him now get this kind of national nod as a Chief, it just hits different. It is a reminder of the talent that passed through Lumen Field and left an undeniable mark on our city’s history.
So, as Walker gears up for potentially an even bigger year with the Chiefs, we are left to reflect. He is going to be a force in the league, no doubt about it. We will be watching, maybe with a little pang of what-if, but always remembering the part he played in our Super Bowl LX glory. Here is to seeing our current guys step up and forge their own legends.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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