Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III is entering the new NFL season determined to improve after missing six games last year due to injury. He attributes his renewed vigor and enhanced performance in training camp to changes in his offseason routine and diet, developed with guidance from his father. These adjustments are part of his commitment to return healthier and more focused on the field.
New Habits Focused on Nutrition and Sleep
Walker revealed that his father has played a crucial role in shaping his eating habits, encouraging better food choices and instilling discipline around nutrition. This accountability has helped Walker maintain a cleaner diet compared to previous seasons. Additionally, he has shifted his sleep schedule, now going to bed earlier between 10 and 10:30 p.m., compared to staying up as late as 1 a.m. before.
My pops really helped me out with my routine and everything, my eating habits,
Walker said, via Brady Henderson of ESPN.
If I eat something, he’ll be like, ‘Nah, you shouldn’t be eating that.’ He’s always on top of me about that type of stuff. So now I just have the discipline to do it.
I definitely feel it in my performance,
Walker added.
Broader Team Developments During NFL Training Camps
While Walker focuses on his offseason progress, other NFL players are making headlines in training camps across the league. For instance, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Russell Gage is working to build rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy. Gage made a spectacular sideline catch recently, although it was ruled out of bounds. This play, however, gives him confidence in Purdy’s trust and anticipation during passing plays.
Plays like that mean a lot to me,
Gage told NBC Sports Bay Area.
For him to put it up there, he’s throwing it in anticipation I’m going to be there. And him putting up there is also in anticipation I’m going to go up and get it. That meant a lot to me and builds confidence moving forward that he’ll let something like that fly for me.
49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak praised Gage’s professionalism and progress throughout the offseason. He noted that Gage has improved his mental preparation and speed in play execution since the offseason training activities (OTAs).
First of all, he’s a pro,
Kubiak said.
He’s been around, and you can tell with the way he prepares, the way he works, the way he gets his body ready to practice every day. He’s a guy who’s taken a big step from OTAs. In OTAs, he was learning. You might be a hair slower when you’re still trying to figure it all out. You can tell he’s really putting in the work in the classroom with the mental part of it, and it’s made his play faster.
Gage is also developing a clearer understanding of where Purdy wants him during various plays, aiming to be in the right spot to maximize their offensive chemistry.
Once I understand what they’re trying to get, as far as play-wise, and what Brock wants on certain plays, being at the right place at the right time, once I understand that, I’m always going to play a lot faster,
Gage explained.
Injury Updates and Rising Players to Watch
Among the 49ers roster, fifth-round running back Jordan James was sidelined in practice due to a knee issue, with head coach Kyle Shanahan indicating ongoing evaluations throughout the week. Meanwhile, Shanahan lauded third-round cornerback Upton Stout’s strong performance during camp.
Not crowning him yet, but he’s been doing a hell of a job,
Shanahan commented.
Rams Praise Interior Defense and Run Stopping Ability
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Rams defensive back Quentin Lake commended the impact of newly added nose tackle Poona Ford, highlighting Ford’s prowess in stopping the run from the interior defensive line. Lake emphasized how Ford’s presence aligns with the team’s goal of improving run defense and complementing their formidable pass rush.
Yeah, Poona Ford. Man, Poona,
Lake said, via Rams Wire.
I know Kobie talked about it when he was at the podium – as advertised. I’ll say it again, as advertised, but a great addition. You just bring in guys not only that fit the culture but that just have an elite ability to do certain things. Poona is just a force to be reckoned with in the trenches. He’s done a great job of meshing with the defense, great personality, great teammate, but that was one of the areas of emphasis from last year that we wanted to focus on this year. How can we do better against the run? How can we be in different coverages or personnel groups to be able to shut it down? Because as you guys know, we have a great pass rush. Anybody can see that, but how can we stop those early downs so that we have more opportunities to rush the passer? Bringing in guys like that helps us do that a lot.
Seahawks Show Long-Term Commitment to Leadership
The Seattle Seahawks reinforced stability at the executive level by extending General Manager John Schneider’s contract through the 2031 season. Team owner Jody Allen praised Schneider’s sustained football leadership and the synergy he shares with head coach Mike Macdonald, both viewed as pillars supporting the franchise’s winning culture on and off the field.
The extension of General Manager John Schneider’s contract is a testament to his 15-plus years of football leadership and success,
Allen said, via Pro Football Talk.
I am confident that John will continue to deliver real results and a continued strong partnership with head coach Mike Macdonald that is already contributing to our winning culture on and off the field.
Looking Ahead: What Kenneth Walker III’s Progress Means for the Seahawks
Kenneth Walker III’s offseason transformation could prove vital for the Seahawks as they seek to improve their running game this season. His increased discipline in nutrition and rest reflects a serious approach to maintaining peak physical condition, enhancing both his durability and on-field impact. This renewed focus also aligns with the Seahawks’ broader mindset of building a resilient team under sustained leadership, which includes Schneider and Macdonald.
If Walker can fully realize his potential, integrating his improved health and performance, the Seahawks will gain a dependable offensive weapon capable of boosting their competitiveness throughout the season.