The world cannot come to a halt just because of the Super Bowl. While it captures the attention of the media and almost everything revolves around it, other issues also surface involving the men responsible for igniting passion on the gridiron.
This coming Sunday, February 8, 2026, the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, who are slight favorites by just over three points to claim the victory, are trying to remain as focused as possible ahead of kickoff.
However, that is not always the case. There are reports or rumors surrounding players and coaches that can become distractions. For example, the situations involving Kenneth Walker III and Rashid Shaheed.
Related:
Free agency looms over the Seahawks after the final whistle of Super Bowl LX
Kenneth Walker III will become a free agent once Super Bowl LX is over, despite having established himself as the Seahawks’ main running back over the past four seasons.
That’s something we’ll talk about later on, after we win the Super Bowl. You know what I’m saying.”…”Can’t focus on that right now.
Walker said on Wednesday.
If Walker were to leave through free agency, it would seriously affect the Seahawks’ plans in the ground attack.
- At least 120 rushing yards on eight occasions, including the playoffs
- More than 160 yards in four of his last five games
- At least 97 rushing yards in three of his last five contests
- More than 100 yards from scrimmage in three consecutive games
- Four touchdowns, making him the top scorer in that category this postseason
Another key statistic: the Seahawks hold a 7-1 record when Walker rushes for more than 100 yards in a game.
Crossing my fingers that he’s in the locker room next year as a Seahawk because he’s a piece that’s very vital to the success that we’ve had.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel said.
In recent games, Walker has averaged 4.1 yards per carry over the last few weeks, the best among running backs with at least 20 postseason attempts.
Another story is that of Rashid Shaheed
While Walker has said he does not know if he will return to Seattle, Rashid Shaheed has expressed the opposite. He wants to stay with the Seahawks.
Being here in Seattle has been a dream come true. It’s opened up so many opportunities for myself and my family.”…”This organization has been great to me since Day 1.
Shaheed said.
The player became the first in NFL history to return both a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns.
Both players will become free agents once Super Bowl LX concludes, meaning the front office will have plenty of work to do starting Monday, February 9, 2026, as the team begins shaping its roster for the upcoming campaign.
