Patrick Mahomes knows why Kenneth Walker III is thriving as the Chiefs star reacts to his Player of the Month honor
Walker has proven to be the best offseason move in the NFL this year, and the Chiefs are back in contention
The 2026 NFL season moves fast, and with the first month of the campaign concluded, the NFL announced its Players of the Month , honoring San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy in the NFC alongside new Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III in the AFC, both securing the prestigious offensive accolade for the first time in their careers.
Purdy has powered the 49ers to an unblemished 3-0 record by airing it out for 789 passing yards and a league-leading nine touchdowns , orchestrating an explosive offense that has put up 27, 35, and 36 points.
Meanwhile, in the AFC, Chiefs workhorse Kenneth Walker III has taken the conference by storm, becoming the fourth running back to win the award in the last five months, dating back to last season.
Walker currently leads the entire NFL in rushing yards with 360 alongside four total touchdowns , making him only the second non-Patrick Mahomes player from Kansas City to claim the monthly honor since 2017, joining Jerick McKinnon (December 2022).
Kahlil Benson Joins Walker as Chiefs Sweep September Honors
Walker wasn't the only standout shining in Kansas City, as undrafted offensive lineman Kahlil Benson was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month after allowing a mere six pressures, the third-fewest in the league, and anchoring a revamped Chiefs offensive line that surrendered a league-low four sacks in the AFC.
Having a dominant running back and a stellar rookie blocker driving success is a dream scenario for Patrick Mahomes , especially with the Chiefs' offense looking completely unstoppable behind a balanced ground attack and elite protection.
Addressing reporters on Thursday, Walker reflected on his explosive start and his expanding role in the passing game: "It means a lot, but that's like a testament to the guys up front and everybody that's blocking for me, wide receivers, tight ends," Walker stated.
"That means they're doing their job and making my job and everybody in the running backs' room job a lot easier."
Over September, Walker accumulated an astonishing 442 total scrimmage yards ( 360 rushing, 82 receiving ) and four touchdowns (two rushing, two receiving), etching his name in history as the first player in NFL history to record both a rushing and receiving touchdown in two of his first three games with a new franchise.
Riding this wave of momentum, the Chiefs now pivot toward a hostile road test against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders , marking a historic milestone as both teams clash with matching 3-0 records for the first time in the fierce rivalry's history.
Following this high-stakes Week 4 divisional battle in Sin City, the Chiefs will enjoy a well-timed early bye week to heal up, review their explosive September tape, and prepare for the grueling middle stretch of the season.
