Memorials, Sports - Kenneth Walker III, Super Bowl LX MVP -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Tom Leatherwood

Tennessee publicly honors Kenneth Walker III for being Super Bowl LX MVP and highlights his achievements and Tennessee ties in a ceremonial memorial resolution.

Received from House, refer to Senate Calendar Committee

#memorials #sports

Purpose

A House Joint Resolution (HJR 1464) sponsored by Rep. Leatherwood acknowledges and congratulates Kenneth Walker III for being named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of Super Bowl LX.

The resolution recognizes Walker’s athletic accomplishments, particularly his performance as the Seattle Seahawks’ MVP in Super Bowl LX, and honors his ties to Tennessee (Arlington High School and local context).

Key Provisions and Content

Official Recognition: The resolution states the Tennessee General Assembly’s intent to honor Kenneth Walker III for achieving MVP status in Super Bowl LX and for his contributions to Seattle’s championship run.

Recitation of Achievements:

2025 season: Walker was the Seahawks’ starting running back, played all 17 regular-season games.
2025 playoff run: Served as primary back during the Seahawks’ three playoff games after an injury to a teammate.
Playoff performances:
Divisional round vs. San Francisco: 116 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns.
NFC Championship vs. Los Angeles Rams: 62 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, and 4 receptions for 49 yards.
Super Bowl LX: 135 rushing yards, 4 receptions for 26 yards, MVP honors.

Personal and Background Details:

Arlington High School alumnus; collegiate career includes Wake Forest and Michigan State, with notable accolades such as the Doak Walker Award and First-Team All-American honors.
The resolution notes Walker’s faith and gratitude during his post-game interview and his father’s attendance at the game.

Formal Legislative Language:

The resolution formally expresses congratulations and best wishes for continued success in football and life.
A copy of the resolution may be prepared for presentation, with specific formatting instructions.

Who/What is Affected

Primary Beneficiary: Kenneth Walker III (athlete) and his family.

Community/State Acknowledgment: Tennessee General Assembly and the public, through a formal expression of recognition and honor.

No statutory changes or fiscal implications are included in the text; the bill serves a ceremonial purpose.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Passed the Tennessee House (vote: 92 ayes, 0 nays, 0 prime no votes; all Ayes added as sponsors) and referred to the Senate for concurrence after formal introduction.

Action History:

Introduced and filed on 2026-04-15.
Engrossed and transmitted to the Senate on 2026-04-16.

Effective/Operational Timeline: Ceremonial resolution; does not enact policy changes or require funding. Its effect is formal recognition and public commendation.

Notes

The bill aligns with similar state practices of issuing memorial resolutions to honor notable achievements of individuals, including athletes who have achieved national prominence.

The title indicates a focus on memorials and sports, specifically honoring Kenneth Walker III’s achievement as Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl LX.

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