Kenneth Walker III strengthens his bond with his new teammate after both suffered a serious illness
A frightening health scare has brought two Chiefs teammates closer as they build a bond on and off the field
Kansas City Chiefs teammates Trey Smith and Kenneth Walker III have developed an unusual connection, one built not on growing up in the same place or sharing a college locker room, but on surviving pulmonary embolisms.
Smith recently opened up about their relationship while discussing the “Stop the Clot” campaign, explaining that he initially didn’t know Walker had also experienced the serious condition.
Once the two discovered their shared journey, they quickly found another level of respect for one another.
“When K9 first got here, I didn’t realize he had a pulmonary embolism as well, so that was like a crazy thing,” said Smith while speaking to Sports Radio 810 WHB.
“We definitely both have a lot of respect for each other. Going through a circumstance, situation like that, it’s serious. Having the same exact symptoms, same feelings — it’s just like, damn, someone else has been through that same physical issue.”
Smith’s ordeal began during his sophomore season at Tennessee in 2018. He was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs after experiencing severe breathing difficulties.
His problems became particularly alarming when he struggled during practice and eventually passed out.
Doctors ultimately discovered clots on both sides of his lungs, forcing him to step away from football while undergoing treatment.
Smith eventually returned to the field as a junior. Since then, he’s continued playing at the highest level while also using his platform to raise awareness about blood clots and their potential impact on athletes.
Walker experienced a similarly frightening episode while he was a junior at Arlington High School. After attempting to push through chest pain during practice, his condition worsened.
He eventually woke up struggling to breathe and spent four nights in the hospital. Walker was treated with blood thinners and twice-daily injections for three months before receiving clearance to return for his senior season.
A shared experience now fuels a Chiefs connection
That history has given Smith and Walker something few teammates can truly understand.
Both know what it’s like to experience a sudden medical crisis while pursuing football, and discovering that common ground has strengthened their relationship in Kansas City.
Their connection has developed at the same time Walker has made an immediate impact with the Chiefs. After signing with Kansas City in March, the running back quickly established himself as one of the offense’s central pieces.
Through three games, Walker has rushed for 360 yards on 65 carries, while adding 82 receiving yards and four total touchdowns.
His explosive start earned him September’s AFC Offensive Player of the Month award. The NFL also noted that Walker recorded 41 broken tackles during the opening three games, helping Kansas City begin the season 3-0.
Walker entered Kansas City with considerable expectations after winning Super Bowl LX MVP with Seattle. His transition has been seamless so far, with his running ability giving the Chiefs another dimension alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Smith’s role is equally important. As an offensive guard, he helps create the running lanes Walker needs to attack defenses, making their on-field partnership especially relevant.
Their relationship now carries an added layer of meaning, as their experiences have brought them closer.
