Seahawks Star Kenneth Walker III Denies GM's Contract Negotiation Claim
Super Bowl LX Most Valuable Player Kenneth Walker III has issued a sharp public rebuttal to Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider following what many are calling a bizarre and ill-received joke during the team's championship victory parade. The incident occurred on Wednesday as the Seahawks celebrated their dramatic triumph over the New England Patriots with a procession through the streets of Seattle.
Schneider's Awkward Parade Moment
During the celebratory event, which drew close to a million enthusiastic fans, Schneider took to the microphone and made remarks that quickly became the day's most discussed talking point. "Ken Walker being the MVP, let's go!" Schneider enthusiastically declared to the massive crowd before adding, "He tried negotiating with me five minutes ago. It was really weird. M-V-P! M-V-P!"
The general manager's attempt at humor appeared to fall flat with the assembled supporters, creating an uncomfortable moment during what should have been an unambiguously joyous occasion. Social media platforms immediately lit up with commentary about the awkward exchange, with many questioning Schneider's timing and judgment.
Walker's Blunt Social Media Response
Just one day after the parade concluded, Walker III addressed the controversy directly through his Instagram stories. The star running back posted a message that read: "Must've been da liquor he drinking cuz I never said dat s***" followed by two laughing emoji symbols. This unequivocal denial from the Super Bowl MVP directly contradicted Schneider's parade-stage claim and suggested the general manager may have been less than truthful in his public remarks.
Walker's response indicates significant tension between the championship-winning player and the team's front office leadership, potentially complicating what should be straightforward contract extension discussions following his MVP performance.
Other Notable Parade Moments
Schneider was not the only Seahawks representative to generate headlines during Wednesday's celebration. Linebacker Ernest Jones delivered an impassioned speech to the crowd gathered at Lumen Field, beginning with the self-deprecating admission: "I'm probably the last person they shoulda gave the mic to."
Jones went on to praise his teammates as "bad-a** mother***ers that play this game the right way" before issuing a defiant message to critics: "Not only do we have the best defense in the world, we got the best team in the world. And quite frankly, you got anything to say about my quarterback, anything to say about our O-line, or you got anything to say about the city of Seattle, I got two words for you: F*** you!"
The linebacker was among several Seahawks players sporting customized t-shirts featuring a doctored image of quarterback Sam Darnold flipping the bird while smoking a cigarette. Jones explained to NFL Network's Kay Adams that Darnold had given his blessing for the shirts, which were printed locally within "a couple of hours" before the parade.
"I've been saying it all year," Jones told Adams while showcasing the controversial apparel. "That's my dude. And to come, he gave me his blessing, he was OK with us wearing the shirts, the couple of us that have them on. That's my guy. Thank you, Sam, for getting us to this [Super Bowl]."
The parade route began at Lumen Field and wound through various Seattle neighborhoods before concluding in the Belltown district, with head coach Mike Macdonald enthusiastically greeting fans along the way. While the celebration marked the culmination of a championship season, the tension between Walker and Schneider suggests potential challenges ahead for the franchise as they transition from celebration to offseason planning.
