Last week the Seattle Seahawks captured Super Bowl LX and did so in commanding fashion, claiming a 29 – 13 victory over the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This triumph marked Seattle’s second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history, with standout performances on both sides of the ball and a Most Valuable Player (MVP) showing that will be remembered as one of the all-time great postseason performances.

At the heart of that Super Bowl success was Kenneth Walker III, whose dominance on the ground not only fueled the Seahawks’ offense but also etched his name into NFL history. Walker’s journey from high school standout to NFL superstar culminated in a performance that earned him the Super Bowl MVP, making him the first alumnus of the Michigan State Spartans football to receive the honor and the first running back to be so recognized in nearly three decades.

Before you continue reading this, you might enjoy our old blog post about College Football 25 Spartan Edition. EA Sports released the College Football 25 game that featured the Michigan State Spartans on the cover, almost as if they could see what would happen at the Super Bowl not long after!

---

The Road to Super Bowl LX

The Seahawks entered the 2025 season with modest expectations — few believed they’d make a deep playoff run, let alone win the Super Bowl. Yet Seattle defied those expectations, finishing the regular season with a 14-3 record and securing a playoff berth. The team’s identity was forged on a stout defense that suffocated opponents and an offense that leaned on balance and timely execution.

Seattle’s path to the championship included wins over the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams in the NFC playoffs. In each contest, Walker’s running prowess became more pronounced, especially after the Seahawks’ starting back, Zach Charbonnet, suffered a season-ending injury. Walker stepped into the lead role and never looked back.

By the time the Seahawks reached Super Bowl LX, Walker had become the engine of Seattle’s offense. His ability to grind out tough yards, break big plays, and control the clock made him indispensable. Meanwhile, the defense consistently put pressure on opponents, leading the league in turnovers and sacks — and setting the tone against the Patriots.

---

Kenneth Walker III’s Historic MVP Performance

In Super Bowl LX, Walker delivered the kind of performance legends are made of. He rushed 27 times for 135 yards, averaging five yards per carry — a remarkable output against an elite Patriots defense. He also added 26 receiving yards, giving him 161 total yards from scrimmage.

On a night when quarterbacks and receivers struggled to gain traction, Walker was the consistent playmaker. His runs were not only effective but timely — keeping drives alive, flipping field position, and keeping the Patriots off balance. Even when one of his long touchdown runs was negated by a holding penalty, his impact was unmistakable: he controlled the line of scrimmage and wore down defenders with consistent power and pace.

Walker’s MVP was significant for several reasons:

• First Running Back MVP Since 1998: He became the first running back to win Super Bowl MVP since Terrell Davis did so in Super Bowl XXXII for the Denver Broncos — a span of 28 years in which quarterbacks have dominated MVP selection.
• One of Few Running Back MVPs in History: Historically, only a handful of running backs have taken home Super Bowl MVP, a list that includes legends like Larry Csonka, Emmitt Smith, and Davis.

Walker’s MVP performance wasn’t just about yardage; it was about impact and timing. His ability to consistently gain positive yardage helped Seattle control the clock and keep the Patriots’ offense off the field — a strategy that paid dividends given the Seahawks’ defensive dominance.

---

The Significance of Walker’s MVP for Michigan State Spartans

Kenneth Walker III’s MVP award carried meaning far beyond the NFL. By winning Super Bowl MVP, he achieved a historic first for the Michigan State Spartans football program — becoming the first Spartan alum to ever receive the honor.

Michigan State has produced several notable NFL players over the decades, from Pro Bowlers to key role players across the league. Yet none had ever reached the pinnacle of Super Bowl individual success until Walker’s performance. His success is a milestone not only for his own legacy but for the program itself, showcasing the potential of Spartans to compete and excel at the highest levels of professional football.

Walker’s path to this achievement wasn’t straightforward. He began his collegiate career at Wake Forest Demon Deacons football before transferring to Michigan State, where he became one of the most electrifying backs in college football. His single season at East Lansing was spectacular — earning All-American honors and national awards — and ultimately set the stage for his NFL career.

The significance of his MVP extends to young athletes and Spartans fans everywhere. It is a testament to talent and perseverance and a reminder that players from programs outside of perennial football powerhouses can still reach the sport’s highest achievements.

---

Team Dynamics: How Seattle Won the Game

While Walker’s performance was central, Seattle’s victory was a total team effort. The Seahawks’ defense was suffocating throughout the playoffs and particularly in Super Bowl LX.

Defensive Dominance

The Seahawks’ defense controlled much of the game, forcing multiple turnovers and sacks that disrupted the Patriots’ offense. New England’s high-powered offensive attack, led by quarterback Drake Maye, struggled to find rhythm against Seattle’s front, which consistently pressured the pocket and limited explosive plays.

Seattle’s defense recorded multiple sacks, forcing punts and turnovers that shifted momentum. One such strip sack late in the third quarter led directly to a Seattle touchdown, effectively sealing the game’s outcome.

Offensive Execution

Although the offense wasn’t explosive in traditional Super Bowl fashion — Seattle didn’t score a touchdown until the fourth quarter — it was efficient. Quarterback Sam Darnold managed the game effectively, staying mistake-free and converting key third downs when necessary. His performance, combined with Walker’s rushing success, helped Seattle move the chains consistently.

Meanwhile, kicker Jason Myers set a Super Bowl record with five field goals, underlining the Seahawks’ ability to translate drives into points even when touchdowns were hard to come by.

---

Legacy and Future Prospects for Kenneth Walker

Kenneth Walker III’s Super Bowl MVP performance will be remembered as one of the most compelling since the turn of the millennium. Not only did he crown his own career with the sport’s highest individual honor, but he also brought lasting prestige to the Michigan State Spartans program.

For the Seahawks, the victory signifies a return to the NFL’s elite after years of rebuilding. Head coach Mike Macdonald and his staff orchestrated a season that balanced defensive grit with a powerful running game and opportunistic offense.

Looking ahead, Walker’s future — now entering free agency — is poised for exciting possibilities. His stock has never been higher, and numerous teams — if he isn’t retained — will surely court the dynamic back.

---

Historic Superbowl

The Seattle Seahawks’ triumph in Super Bowl LX was more than just a championship win; it was a statement of team unity, strategic execution, and individual excellence. At the center of that achievement stood Kenneth Walker III, whose MVP performance not only drove Seattle to victory but also marked a historic milestone for himself and the Michigan State Spartans. His 2026 Super Bowl MVP will be remembered as one of the great individual postseason performances — one that reshaped narratives about running backs in the modern era and etched his name indelibly into NFL lore.