The Seattle Seahawks’ running back Kenneth Walker III has emerged as the standout performer in Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots, delivering a dominant display that has carried much of his team’s offensive output on the biggest stage.
In what has been a defensive struggle for large stretches of the game, Walker has provided the explosive spark Seattle needed to build and maintain a lead. Through the early and middle portions of the contest, he amassed over 100 yards from scrimmage, with his rushing totals pushing into the 100-128 yard range as drives progressed. His powerful, decisive running style has repeatedly gashed the Patriots’ defense, turning what could have been stagnant possessions into scoring opportunities.
Walker’s ability to break tackles, accelerate through holes, and pick up chunk yardage has made him the primary engine of the Seahawks’ attack, especially as the passing game has struggled to find consistent rhythm under quarterback Sam Darnold.
Early in the first half, Walker set the tone with bursts that left defenders grasping at air. He ripped off runs of 30 and 29 yards on one key drive, bouncing outside and powering through contact to move Seattle deep into New England territory. Those gains helped set up field goals, contributing to a halftime lead. His first-half stats alone—14 carries for 94 yards—outproduced the entire Patriots rushing attack combined, underscoring how heavily the Seahawks leaned on their star back.
As the game wore on, Walker continued to churn out positive yards, adding more first downs and helping Seattle extend advantages with methodical ground work.
What makes Walker’s performance particularly impressive is the context. With fellow running back Zach Charbonnet sidelined for the postseason due to injury, the load has fallen squarely on Walker’s shoulders. He has responded by playing some of the best football of his career, building on strong playoff showings where he eclipsed 100 scrimmage yards in multiple games and tied franchise postseason records for rushing touchdowns. In this Super Bowl matchup, his yards per carry have hovered around an efficient 6-plus, showcasing his blend of speed, vision, and physicality.
The Seahawks’ offensive line has opened lanes, but it is Walker’s elusiveness and contact balance that have turned modest blocks into big plays. He has been the difference-maker in a game where Seattle’s defense has dominated, allowing the offense to play with composure rather than desperation.
Beyond the numbers, Walker’s presence has energized the Seahawks’ sideline and the raucous 12th Man crowd in attendance. His relentless style—low center of gravity, violent runs, and ability to fall forward for extra yards—evokes memories of past Seattle greats like Marshawn Lynch, who once defined this franchise’s ground identity in big games. Walker has not only carried the ball but carried the offense, providing a reliable outlet when passes have fallen incomplete or when the Patriots’ pressure has disrupted the pocket.
His contributions have helped Seattle build leads of 9-0 at halftime and further extend them in the third quarter with additional field goals, keeping the Patriots’ high-powered but inconsistent attack at bay.
The game has not been without its moments of tension off the stat sheet. A heated skirmish involving Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs added an extra layer of intensity. As New England fell behind early and struggled to generate momentum, frustration boiled over on the sideline. Diggs nearly clashed with a group of Seahawks players after exchanges escalated, with the distance closing and Diggs appearing isolated against several opponents. The situation grew tense, captured clearly on broadcast cameras, but cooler heads intervened before it turned into a full brawl.
Earlier in the contest, there was a minor altercation between Diggs and Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe, where Jobe mimed a punch toward Diggs’ helmet without making contact—no ejection followed, but it highlighted the charged atmosphere.
These incidents, while not overshadowing the on-field action, reflected the high stakes and emotions of a Super Bowl. For the Patriots, trailing significantly, such moments underscored their uphill battle against a Seahawks team firing on all cylinders defensively and finding its footing offensively through Walker.
As the game progressed into the later stages, Walker’s continued effectiveness helped Seattle control the clock and sustain drives. Additional runs in the fourth quarter set up more scoring chances, with field goals and potential touchdowns keeping the pressure on New England. His overall impact has positioned him as arguably the best player on the field so far, a true workhorse who has shouldered the responsibility amid challenges elsewhere in the offense.
In a matchup featuring two storied franchises—one chasing a return to glory, the other looking to reclaim past dominance—Kenneth Walker III has delivered a performance worthy of the grandest stage. His strong, explosive running has not only accumulated yards but also momentum, making him the central figure in Seattle’s bid for a championship. With his combination of power and agility, Walker has proven why he is one of the league’s most dynamic backs, turning a ground-and-pound approach into the Seahawks’ most reliable weapon in this high-profile contest.
