In that contest, Walker rushed 23 times for a career-high 173 yards in the Chiefs’ 31-10 victory over Denver on September 14. He averaged 7.5 yards per carry and found the end zone twice, including a 60-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, and later added a 2-yard rushing score assisted by Patrick Mahomes. This dominant performance came against the backdrop of a highly anticipated debut from the reigning Super Bowl MVP in Kansas City’s backfield. It also served as a sharp reminder for Seahawks fans of what Seattle allowed to depart in free agency.
Walker’s impact was immediate. Kansas City accumulated 220 rushing yards as a team, with Walker accounting for nearly 79% of that total. The Chiefs controlled the ball for more than 33 minutes and outgained the Broncos 392-176. Walker’s 173 rushing yards surpassed his previous career high of 167, according to game data reports.
Walker’s arrival in Kansas City was notable given his recent history. He had just capped his Seattle tenure by rushing for 135 yards in Super Bowl LX and earning MVP honors as the Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots. The Chiefs signed him to a three-year contract with a base value around $43.05 million and $28.7 million guaranteed after Seattle allowed him to reach free agency. The deal could reach as high as $45 million, per initial reports. While one game does not determine whether the investment will pay off, Walker’s 173 rushing yards provided a compelling early argument.
The six months leading into Walker’s Chiefs debut show a smooth transition. Walker joined Kansas City after finishing his Seahawks tenure, and the Chiefs’ roster page lists him as starting his first season with Kansas City after signing on March 12.
An interesting footnote to Wilson’s praise: the former Seahawks quarterback and Walker never played together in Seattle. Wilson spent 10 seasons in Seattle (2012–2021) before being traded to Denver in March 2022, and Walker was selected by Seattle with the No. 41 overall pick in the second round the following month. Their connection is more about franchise history: Wilson quarterbacked Seattle to its first Super Bowl championship, while Walker was the MVP of Seattle’s second title. Wilson’s public comments on Walker extend beyond personal teams; as a broadcaster for CBS Sports this season, he analyzes league-wide performances on “The NFL Today” alongside a respected panel.
Wilson entered broadcasting this year after ending his playing career, joining CBS Sports’ NFL coverage for the 2026 season. The network announced in June that the 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback would join a pregame team featuring James Brown, Bill Cowher, and Nate Burleson. This role places Wilson in a broader position within the league, offering analysis across teams rather than focusing solely on his former club.
Walker’s performance has given Seattle fans a concrete illustration of what they saw leaving town, and it also provided a timely talking point for Wilson in his new capacity as a broadcaster. The contrast between Walker’s immediate impact in Kansas City and Seattle’s decision to part ways remains a talking point among fans, while Wilson’s public observations add another layer to the evolving narrative of former Seahawks talents making headlines elsewhere in the league.
