Kenneth Walker III (running back)
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Born October 20th, 2000, Kenneth Walker III is the electrifying running back for the Seattle Seahawks, a force to be reckoned with in the National Football League. His journey to the pros began with a stellar college career, first with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and then the Michigan State Spartans, where he captivated audiences. In 2021, his outstanding performance earned him both the prestigious Walter Camp and Doak Walker Awards, a testament to his undeniable talent.
Hailing from Arlington, Tennessee, young Kenneth displayed his gridiron prowess early at Arlington High School, racking up an impressive 3,485 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns. This remarkable achievement led him to commit to Wake Forest University.
His time at Wake Forest, spanning 2019 and 2020, saw him accumulate 1,158 yards on 217 carries, finding the end zone 17 times. After the 2020 season, Walker made a pivotal transfer to Michigan State University, immediately seizing the starting role. His debut with the Spartans was nothing short of spectacular, as he exploded for 264 yards and four touchdowns, instantly doubling Michigan State's 2020 season total for rushing scores. He became the first Spartan running back to achieve such a feat since 2019. The accolades continued to pour in, with Walker III being named the Doak Walker and Walter Camp Player of the Year, and securing a remarkable 6th place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting for the 2021 NCAA season. His exceptional play earned him Consensus All-American honors, and following this dominant season, he declared for the 2022 NFL Draft, forgoing his senior year.
The 2022 NFL Draft saw Kenneth Walker III selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round, the 41st overall pick. He made his NFL debut in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers. In Week 5, against the New Orleans Saints, he showcased his explosive speed with a 69-yard touchdown run. Following an injury to Rashaad Penny, Walker was elevated to the starting running back position for the Seahawks. In Week 7, against the Los Angeles Chargers, he delivered a dominant performance with 167 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a decisive victory. His outstanding play earned him NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honors for October. He continued his impressive rookie campaign with another strong showing in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, rushing for 109 yards and two touchdowns. He capped off the regular season with three consecutive games exceeding 100 rushing yards. His rookie season concluded with an impressive 1,050 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, alongside 165 receiving yards. He joined legendary Seahawks running back Curt Warner as the only players in franchise history to rush for at least 1,000 yards as a rookie. In the 2022-23 NFL playoffs, Walker added a touchdown in the Wild Card Round loss to the 49ers and was recognized on the 2022 Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team.
In 2023, Walker continued to make his mark. In Week 3, he amassed 156 scrimmage yards and two rushing touchdowns in a victory over the Carolina Panthers, earning him NFC Offensive Player of the Week. He finished the 2023 season with 905 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, and a career-high 259 receiving yards in 15 games.
The 2024 campaign presented challenges with injuries, but Walker still managed 11 starts, accumulating 573 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, along with 299 receiving yards and one touchdown. His season unfortunately concluded on December 26, 2024, when he was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury.
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Kenneth Walker III (born October 20, 2000) is an American professional football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and Michigan State Spartans. He won the Walter Camp and Doak Walker Awards in 2021.
== Early life ==
Walker was born on October 20, 2000, in Arlington, Tennessee. He attended Arlington High School and played for their football team, where he rushed for 3,485 yards with 41 touchdowns. He committed to Wake Forest University to play college football.
== College career ==
Walker played at Wake Forest in 2019 and 2020. During those two years he rushed for 1,158 yards on 217 carries with 17 touchdowns. After the 2020 season, Walker transferred to Michigan State University. He became the starter his first year at Michigan State. In his debut with the Spartans, he rushed for 264 yards and four touchdowns. His four touchdowns doubled the Michigan State 2020 season total, and were the first for a Spartan running back since the 2019 season. Walker III was awarded the Doak Walker and Walter Camp Player of the Year Award and finished 6th in the Heisman for the 2021 NCAA season. He earned Consensus All-American honors for the 2021 season. Following the season, he announced that he would forgo his senior year and declared for the 2022 NFL draft.
=== College statistics ===
== Professional career ==
=== 2022 ===
Walker was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round with the 41st overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft.
Walker made his NFL debut in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers. In Week 5, against the New Orleans Saints, he had a 69-yard rushing touchdown in the 32–39 loss. He was named the starting running back for the Seattle Seahawks after Rashaad Penny was placed on injured reserve. In Week 7, against the Los Angeles Chargers, Walker rushed for 167 yards and two touchdowns in the 37–23 victory. On November 3, Walker was named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Month for October. In Week 9, he rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns in a 31–21 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. In Week 12, he had another game with two rushing touchdowns in the 40–34 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. He closed out the regular season with three consecutive games with over 100 rushing yards. He finished his rookie season with 228 carries for 1,050 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns to go along with 27 receptions for 165 receiving yards. He joined Curt Warner as the only players in franchise history to rush for at least 1,000 yards as a rookie. On January 14, 2023, during the 2022–23 NFL playoffs, Walker rushed the ball 15 times for 63 yards and a touchdown, during a 41–23 Wild Card Round loss to the 49ers. He was named to the 2022 Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team.
=== 2023 ===
In Week 3, Walker totaled 156 scrimmage yards with a pair of rushing touchdowns in a 37–27 win over the Carolina Panthers, earning National Football Conference Offensive Player of the Week. Walker finished the 2023 season with 219 carries for 905 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns to go with 29 receptions for 259 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in 15 games.
=== 2024 ===
Walker dealt with injury throughout the 2024 campaign, making 11 total starts and compiling 573 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, 299 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown. On December 26, 2024, Walker was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury, ending his season.
== NFL career statistics ==
=== Regular season ===
=== Postseason ===
== References ==
== External links ==
Career statistics from NFL.com · ESPN · CBS Sports · Yahoo Sports · Pro Football Reference
Kenneth Walker III on Twitter
Seattle Seahawks bio
Michigan State Spartans bio
Wake Forest Demon Deacons bio
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