K9 playing the “I wasn’t appreciated there” card

[Jazzhawk]

Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III knew he wouldn’t be back

Appearing on Monday’s #PFTPM, Walker said he knew during the 2025 season that he wouldn’t be re-signing with Seattle.

“I would say probably, if I’m being honest, probably like sometime during the season,” Walker said. “You know, things ain’t working out how I was expecting to, and that’s all right. It worked out for the team. So sometime during the season and then we get to free agency, pretty much knowing like you weren’t gonna be there no more.”

 

[GeekHawk]

That's fine, we pretty much knew it as well. At least he's realistic. If he wants to carry it as a chip on his shoulder that's also fine. He got a ring out of it, and a big new $$$ deal.

 

[TeamoftheCentury]

From what he said, I don't hear him saying he wasn't appreciated. Could mean a number of things like ZC was a better fit for the offense, Walker had some trouble staying on the field in his Hawks career, etc. Business decision and what's best for the team moving forward. I bet he's grateful. Just wasn't part of future plans. Set him up nicely though elsewhere.

 

[Hawkpower]

We knew it too, when he wasn't good enough/healthy enough to be the bell cow (but yet would want to be paid like it)

So mutual feelings I guess!

 

[SoulfishHawk]

He wasn't appreciated, so he's not wrong. He was plenty good enough. Happy for his time here, he moved on.
Maybe we should too?

Go Hawks

 

[chrispy]

Thanks K9: one of 2 Seahawks that were SB MVPs.

Malcolm Smith was demoted the season after his MVP performance when KJWright came back from injury. In comparison, Walker ended up in a much better situation. K9 got paid and gets to be the lead back in an explosive Offense. I think we're all happy for him.

 

[Wsumatt1982]

He wasn't appreciated, so he's not wrong. He was plenty good enough. Happy for his time here, he moved on.
Maybe we should too?

Go Hawks

Do you know who you're talking to? Some people can't move past Russ yet

 

[Hawkstorian]

The fact that he wasn't "appreciated" is what led to his massive contract. His work load was well managed during the season. We kept both backs involved and they basically split carries close to even. BECAUSE OF THAT, when one back went down with an injury, the other back was relatively fresh and could carry the load through playoffs and BECOME THE SUPERBOWL MVP AND GET A BIG ASS CONTRACT.

 

[Sperrydogg]

He wasn't appreciated, so he's not wrong. He was plenty good enough. Happy for his time here, he moved on.
Maybe we should too?

Go Hawks

No way man. I will hold on to my resentments thank you very much

I have a list…

 

[glenwo2]

He wasn't appreciated, so he's not wrong. He was plenty good enough. Happy for his time here, he moved on.
Maybe we should too?

Go Hawks

I guess I'm the only person here who is blind or dumb but I don't see where he specifically said in his comment that he wasn't appreciated.

I mean he had to know the Hawks weren't going to break the bank for him like the Chiefs did.

 

[Bobblehead]

If Seahawks were interested in retaining Walker, they would have began negotiations long before Free Agency. pretty obvious to K9.

 

[pmedic920]

Didn’t sound like he believes he wasn’t appreciated to me.

But come on man, football is a business.
Teams know it, PLAYERS know it.

K9 got exactly what he had coming to him.

Super Bowl Ring, Super Bowl MVP and a VERY GOOD contract with a new team.

IMO, it would have been STUPID to pay him what he got.

 

[Ozzy]

Meh I think its a good thing a player wants the ball every time and to be a work horse. I also think Seattle was very smart in how they utilized him. All can be true and good for him he got his pay day and I hope he's a monster in KC. I'm excited to see what Price can do. Onward and upward for all parties involved.

 

[Aircrew]

I guess I'm the only person here who is blind or dumb but I don't see where he specifically said in his comment that he wasn't appreciated.

I mean he had to know the Hawks weren't going to break the bank for him like the Chiefs did.

From the article:

“The team appreciates me over here and, like, being able to come somewhere there where you’re appreciated,” Walker said. “I definitely feel like I’ll be getting the ball a lot, be making plays and, yeah, I’m excited for this season.”

I honestly don't mind if he felt unappreciated, he may even be right. All I know is from my perspective I always expected him to be out for multiple weeks. I don't know if that translates to appreciation, but I certainly didn't view him as reliable and/or a part of our long term plans.

 

[Seahawker]

John seems to know the right time to cut bait on guys like RW, DK, Geno & K9 and have it greatly benefit the team in terms of the cap and draft picks, not to mention protecting the chemistry of the team.

 

[Bobblehead]

From the article:

“The team appreciates me over here and, like, being able to come somewhere there where you’re appreciated,” Walker said. “I definitely feel like I’ll be getting the ball a lot, be making plays and, yeah, I’m excited for this season.”

I honestly don't mind if he felt unappreciated, he may even be right. All I know is from my perspective I always expected him to be out for multiple weeks. I don't know if that translates to appreciation, but I certainly didn't view him as reliable and/or a part of our long term plans.

He had pretty much made it clear he didn't care for the split role... and it showed once he was the featured back.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Do you know who you're talking to? Some people can't move past Russ yet

True. Happy to say I haven't mentioned him in a very long time. And I'm a former fan.
Beyond glad he's gone.

 

[HawkFreak]

That's fine, we pretty much knew it as well. At least he's realistic. If he wants to carry it as a chip on his shoulder that's also fine. He got a ring out of it, and a big new $$$ deal.

This. I can't see any reason why either side would harbor any bad feelings toward the other. It seems like it worked out pretty well for everyone!

 

[Morpheus08]

This. I can't see any reason why either side would harbor any bad feelings toward the other. It seems like it worked out pretty well for everyone!

We will see how well it works out for KC.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Exactly. Was handled well on both sides. Cool.
Just seems to be an obsession in sports with blasting those who leave. Not just here in Seattle.
He carried himself with class.
It's the NFL, players come and go. Meh.