When you search for a kenny walker football player, you're probably going to find two very different stories. One is about a modern-day superstar lighting up the backfield for the Seattle Seahawks. The other is a truly legendary tale of a man who broke barriers in the early 90s without ever hearing a single snap count.
Most people today know Ken Walker III. He’s the explosive, 211-pound running back who makes defenders look silly in the open field. But if you’re looking for the original trailblazer, you’re thinking of the defensive lineman who played for the Denver Broncos—the man who proved that being profoundly deaf wasn't going to stop him from sacking NFL quarterbacks.
Who is the original Kenny Walker?
Let’s talk about the pioneer first. Kenny Wayne Walker was born in 1967 in Crane, Texas. At just two years old, a bout of spinal meningitis took his hearing entirely.
Imagine trying to play one of the most violent, communication-heavy sports on the planet without being able to hear your coach, the quarterback, or the crowd. Most people would say it’s impossible. Kenny didn't care. He was a 6-foot-3, 260-pound force of nature.
At the University of Nebraska, he became an absolute nightmare for offensive coordinators. By 1990, he was a consensus All-American and the Big Eight Defensive Player of the Year. He wasn't just "good for a deaf player"; he was arguably the best pass rusher in the country.
The moment that defined a legacy
There’s a famous story from his final home game at Nebraska. Instead of the usual roar of 76,000 fans, the entire stadium stood up and wiggled their hands in the air—the international sign for applause.
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It’s the kind of thing that gives you chills just thinking about it. Walker responded by signing "I love you" back to the crowd. Honestly, it’s one of the most human moments in the history of college sports.
Breaking into the NFL
The Denver Broncos took a flyer on him in the eighth round of the 1991 draft. Back then, people doubted he could handle the complexity of professional schemes. How would he know when the ball was snapped? How would he hear an audible?
He basically just out-read everyone. He watched the ball. He read the lips of the offensive linemen. In two seasons with the Broncos, he appeared in 31 games and recorded 4.5 sacks.
It wasn't a twenty-year Hall of Fame career, but it was a massive statement. He was the first deaf player in the league in nearly two decades, following in the footsteps of Bonnie Sloan and Larry Brown. Later, he went up north to the CFL, becoming the first deaf player in that league's history with the Calgary Stampeders.
The new era: Kenneth Walker III
Now, if you’re a fantasy football manager or a Seahawks fan, you’re looking for the other kenny walker football player. Formally known as Kenneth Walker III (or "K9"), this guy is a different breed of athlete.
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His path to the pros was basically a masterclass in betting on yourself. He started at Wake Forest but felt he wasn't getting the workload he deserved. He transferred to Michigan State for the 2021 season, and boy, did that pay off.
- The Heisman Run: He finished 6th in Heisman voting after a 1,636-yard season.
- The Michigan Game: He single-handedly destroyed the Wolverines with five touchdowns in one game.
- The Draft: Seattle grabbed him in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
What makes K9 so special?
It’s the contact balance. You’ll see him hit a hole, get hammered by a linebacker, and somehow stay upright to sprint another thirty yards.
In 2022, he clocked a speed of 22.09 mph on a 74-yard touchdown run against the Chargers. To put that in perspective, that was the second-fastest ball-carrier speed in the entire NFL that year.
As of the 2025 season, he’s already crossed the 3,500-yard rushing mark for his career. He’s become the engine of the Seattle offense, a guy who can turn a busted play into a highlight reel at any second.
The confusion between the two
It’s easy to get them mixed up if you're just looking at a stat sheet or a jersey name.
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- Kenny Walker (The Lineman): Defensive end, Nebraska legend, Broncos alum, deaf trailblazer.
- Kenneth Walker III (The Back): Running back, Michigan State star, Seahawks cornerstone, speed demon.
Both wore different numbers, played on opposite sides of the ball, and represent different eras of the game. But they share a common thread: both were told at various points that they couldn't make it. The elder Walker was told his disability was too much; the younger Walker was told he was just a "system back" or a "transfer gamble."
Why the story of Kenny Walker still matters
In a world where sports can feel like a corporate machine, the story of the original Kenny Walker reminds us why we watch. It’s about the raw human will to compete.
He eventually went back to his roots, coaching at Gallaudet University—the premier school for the deaf. He spent his post-playing days making sure the next generation of players didn't have to fight the same uphill battles he did.
Meanwhile, Kenneth Walker III is carrying the name forward in the modern NFL, proving every Sunday that he's one of the most electric players of the 2020s.
Actionable insights for fans and collectors
If you're looking to dive deeper into the history of these players or start a collection, here's what you should actually do:
- Read the book: If you want the full story of the trailblazer, find a copy of Roar of Silence: The Kenny Walker Story. It was published in the late 90s and is one of the better sports autobiographies out there.
- Check the stats: When looking up "Walker" stats, ensure you're filtering by the correct years. 1991-1992 for the Bronco, 2022-present for the Seahawk.
- Card collecting: Be careful on eBay. Sellers often mislabel cards or use "Kenny Walker" for both. The 1991 Pro Line and Upper Deck rookies are the go-to for the defensive lineman, while the 2022 Panini Prizm is the gold standard for the current Seattle RB.
- Watch the tape: Go find the 2021 Michigan vs. Michigan State highlights on YouTube. Even if you aren't a Spartan fan, watching K9's vision and "dead-leg" cut is a lesson in elite running back play.
Whether you're celebrating a pioneer of the deaf community or a modern NFL superstar, the name Kenny Walker represents a legacy of defying expectations on the gridiron.