Kenneth Walker Named Seahawks Captain as He Hits His Stride in Contract Year
The Seahawks are heading into Atlanta this weekend with a 9-3 record and a running back who's not just heating up - he’s leading the charge. Kenneth Walker has been named a game captain for Sunday’s matchup against the Falcons, and it’s more than just a ceremonial nod. It’s a recognition of the way he’s been playing - and the stakes he’s running with.
Walker is in the final year of his rookie deal, and over the last month, he’s looked like a player determined to leave no doubt about his value. He’s racked up 261 rushing yards and added 92 more through the air over the past four games. And more importantly, Seattle is finally leaning into him as a featured piece of the offense.
After spending much of the season in a near-even timeshare with fellow back Zach Charbonnet, Walker is starting to see the touches that reflect his talent. In the Seahawks’ shutout win over Minnesota last week, he got the ball on four of the first six offensive plays.
After halftime, it was five of the first six. That’s not just usage - that’s trust.
Charbonnet still has his role, particularly in short-yardage and red-zone situations. His 17-yard touchdown run in the third quarter against Minnesota was his eighth rushing score of the season, tying his career high.
But the snap count told a story: Walker saw 37 snaps to Charbonnet’s 26. That’s a shift, and it’s happening at a critical time.
Walker has played in 47% of the offensive snaps this season - the same as Charbonnet - but that balance has been as much about managing Walker’s health as it has been about scheme. He dealt with a lingering foot issue this summer, a remnant of the high-ankle sprain that ended his 2024 season.
More recently, glute pain has limited him in practice. But despite the bumps and bruises, he’s suited up for all 12 games so far.
And now, he’s running with the kind of decisiveness and burst that made him a second-round pick out of Michigan State in 2022.
That’s no small thing. Walker turned 25 this month, and with five games left in the regular season, he’s chasing his first full 17-game campaign in the NFL.
He’s also chasing a contract - whether that’s in Seattle or elsewhere. The fact that he doesn’t already have a new deal isn’t surprising.
Running backs face the toughest market in the league. It’s the most physically punishing position in football, and teams have grown increasingly hesitant to commit long-term money.
But Walker’s not letting that uncertainty affect his mindset. Back in training camp, he made it clear: he’s focused on football, not finances.
“I just want to be positive, and keep my mind on football and not contract and all that,” he said. “I really just want to make a positive impact on my team and go out there and play to the best of my ability.”
That’s exactly what he’s doing - and head coach Mike Macdonald has taken notice.
“I think he’s playing his best football right now,” Macdonald said Friday. “He’s had such a great attitude throughout the whole process, and he’s been a great teammate.
You can see his personality shine through. I’m happy for Ken.”
Macdonald also acknowledged the reality of Walker’s situation - and the business side of the league.
“We want our guys to play their best football for us, take care of their families and make a ton [of money]. We want all those things for our guys,” he said.
“Ken’s doing a heck of a job to put himself in that position. I’m excited for him and his future.
He has a great future ahead of him, and hopefully it’s here. We love having him, and he’s a great Seahawk.”
As for the way the Seahawks have managed Walker’s workload this season, Macdonald believes the plan is paying off.
“You hate to lose George [Holani],” he said, referring to the third back now on injured reserve, “but right now, our top two backs are ready to go. This is why we handled it the whole way.
We’re trying to maximize those guys’ talents, maximize our offensive opportunities. And you want to take care of the guys, as well, so you have them for the long haul.
That was really the thought behind it.”
Now, with the playoff push heating up and the Seahawks eyeing a strong finish, Walker is right where he wants to be - in the huddle, in rhythm, and in control of his own narrative.
Captain for the week. Catalyst for the stretch run. And maybe, just maybe, carving out his future in Seattle.