Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy sends a firm message outlining how new RB Kenneth Walker can become a complete back in Kansas City
Kansas City Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy shared his first impression of new Chiefs RB Kenneth Walker after OTAs. He’s built the right way to take his game to the next level in Kansas City.
The Kansas City Chiefs invested a lot in Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III this offseason, and the early returns are looking good.
After just six voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs) practices, Walker has earned a strong reputation with the coaching staff. He’s getting important repetitions with Patrick Mahomes, which will surely blossom into quite the one-two punch during the 2026 NFL season. Both RBs coach DeMarco Murray and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy had high praise for his work ethic, professionalism, and leadership.
“(He’s) very competitive, he’s (Ken Walker) a hard worker,” Bieniemy said. “He doesn’t take anything for granted. He’s what you want. You love his approach in the building – he’s very professional in the classroom, and he hates being wrong. So, you love all of that about him. Now it’s just about making sure he has the whats, the whys, and hows down on how we’re going to get him to be the player that we need him to be. But the thing that I love (is) he does not take anything for granted; the kid works his tail off in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the field as well.”
“Kenneth Walker, again, just a savvy veteran who does things the right way,” Murray said. “(He) works extremely hard, and he’s led the group the right way, vocally and by example. We’re happy to have him.”
Chiefs RB Kenneth Walker Quick Stats & Facts
Walker was a former second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks out of Michigan State. He’s been a dynamic and explosive back throughout his NFL career.
- Games Started: 54
- Carries: 821
- Rushing yards: 3,555
- Rushing touchdowns: 29
Kenneth Walker has already shown the Chiefs exactly who he is and who he can be in 2026
When Walker first met Bieniemy, he mentioned his intensity. He was taken aback that Bieniemy already had tips and pointers on his game. He did, after all, just come off a Super Bowl championship where he won the MVP award. Despite all of that, Bieniemy is still pushing Walker to improve his game beyond being an explosive rusher.
“So, first of all, what I want Kenneth (Walker) to work at is just understanding that we just have to become a better player when the ball is not in our hand,” Bieniemy explained. “Okay, I know exactly what he’s going to do and what he’s capable of when the ball is in his hands. So, now when the ball is not in his hands, what value is he going to add? We have to do a great job protecting the quarterback, and then we got to do a great job of being a route runner on the perimeter. So those are the little things that we’re working on, and understanding that too well, working on him being the efficient runner that we want him to be within our scheme. And you know what? He’s doing a heck of a job, so he’ll continue to work on all three of those phases, and so it’s been very satisfying to watch.”
Walker is sure to play a big role in this offense’s success moving forward. While the running game will be his bread and butter, it’s about more than that in Kansas City in Andy Reid’s offense.
Walker wants to be the best he can be for the Chiefs. Bieniemy is putting him on the path to do just that.