Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce Hype Kenneth Walker III's Chiefs Arrival, 'Hell of a Ballplayer'

The Kansas City Chiefs offense has long relied on the star duo of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, but the two veterans are excited to have a new playmaker in the mix.

The Athletic's Jesse Newell reported that the Chiefs have been raving about rising star running back Kenneth Walker III since he signed with them this offseason following a four-year run with the Seattle Seahawks.

"Woooo!" Kelce exclaimed when Walker's name was brought up, before adding, "Ken Walker is going to be a hell of a ballplayer for us, if you didn't know that already. He's got every trait you can possibly want at the running back position."

Walker rushed for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns last season before leading the Seahawks to their second Super Bowl title in franchise history. He was named Super Bowl MVP after rushing for a season-high 135 yards in a 29-13 win over the New England Patriots. After being allowed to test free agency, he signed with the Chiefs on a three-year contract worth $43 million.

When asked what most intrigues him about Kansas City's offense entering the 2026 season, Mahomes succinctly responded, "No. 9. That's all I can say." Mahomes added that Walker will bring a different dimension to a Chiefs team that hasn't had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2017, the last year the two-time NFL MVP wasn't their starting quarterback.

"Make a play out of nothing to a 20-yard gain," Mahomes said. "That's going to be the biggest impact I think we'll have."

In addition to being a difference-maker on the field, Walker has also quickly endeared himself to his new franchise on a personal level, and the Chiefs are excited to have him around for the next few years.

"I can't say enough about him as a teammate," Kelce said. "We got an absolute superstar on and off the field."