Walker skips handshakes after Chiefs' loss in Seattle

Kenneth Walker III made a swift exit from Lumen Field after the Kansas City Chiefs’ 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, refusing to shake hands with former teammates despite a scheduled postgame ritual ^[1]. The running back, who played his first four NFL seasons with the Seahawks and won a Super Bowl with the Chiefs last season, headed straight for the tunnel before the final whistle, only pausing briefly when a Lumen Field worker stopped him to greet a Seahawks staffer.

Walker’s return to Seattle was a stark contrast to his dominant start to the 2026 season. In his first five games with the Chiefs, he averaged over 110 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns in each of the team’s first two games ^[1]. But in Seattle, he managed just 36 yards on 14 carries, with his longest gain a meager seven yards.

The Chiefs’ first loss of the season came on a night when Walker’s performance was a focal point of the team’s struggles. His absence of celebration or acknowledgment of past teammates has sparked discussion, with some interpreting it as a sign of personal discomfort or professional detachment ^[1].

Before the game, Walker had downplayed the emotional weight of the return, saying, “I’m just focused on critiquing the mistakes we made. Once we get to that point, we’ll see” ^[1]. His comments now appear to have been a prelude to a quiet exit, one that drew attention from fans and analysts alike.

The incident has drawn comparisons to past player returns, where emotional reunions were common, even among rivals. Walker’s decision to avoid interaction stands out in a league where such gestures are often expected, especially from players with deep ties to a franchise ^[1].

What happens next remains to be seen. Whether this moment marks a shift in Walker’s public persona or simply a response to a difficult game, it has already become a defining moment in his 2026 season. The story was first reported by New York Post.