'I Was Frustrated!' Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker Opens Up About Losing ROY

After not being named Offensive Rookie of the Year last season, Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III looks to use that as motivation in 2023.

Bursting onto the scene in dominant fashion, Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III put the NFL world on notice in a hurry during his rookie season. Once he was handed the starting role, he didn't look back, establishing himself as one of the league's best young backs.

However, as dominant as his rookie season was, he was not named Offensive Rookie of the Year. Instead, that honor would go to receiver Garrett Wilson of the New York Jets. 

A strong case could have been made for Walker to bring home the award. He rushed for 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns, but ultimately came in second to the Jets receiver. 

Now, as Walker prepares for his second season in the NFL, he opened up about not bringing home the award. 

“Yeah, I thought I was going to win it, but Garrett Wilson is a great player though,” Walker said. “(I was) kind of frustrated, but it happens. I can’t make those decisions, I just have to come out here and do my best and get better.”

It would be easy for Walker to feel slighted. After all, he was no slouch in his debut season. Rather than letting losing to Wilson impact him, though, he is turning it into motivation for this season. 

“I just hope I can be a mentor to the running backs that are younger than me, like Rashaad (Penny) was to me,” Walker said. “I just hope I can guide those guys in the right direction.”

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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