When Kenneth Walker signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, he brought more than just a Super Bowl ring. He brought a question that has hung over American football for years: why do the players who carry the ball so often get paid the least?
In his first game for the Chiefs, Walker ran for over 170 yards and scored two touchdowns. It had been 694 days since the team managed that feat. For a player who was told his position was undervalued, it was a statement.
But Walker's story is not just about sport. It is about how we treat the people who do the hardest work, and whether we are willing to pay them what they deserve.
Why are running backs paid so little?
In 2025, the average salary for running backs in the NFL was the third-lowest of any position. They earned less on average than kickers. This is despite the fact that running backs take a hit on almost every play they touch the ball.
Quarterbacks might throw the ball 35 times a game, but they are hit on fewer than 10% of those plays. Running backs are taken down nearly every time. Add in the years of punishment from high school and college, and it is clear why the position is considered the most physically demanding on the field.
This is not a recipe for a long career. Yet the debate over whether running backs deserve fair pay continues, even after they prove their worth.
The best in the game still face the same struggle
Since 2020, three running backs have won the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award: Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley. All three are among the best at their position in a generation. All three have faced the same battle over their value.
Barkley left the Giants after injury concerns. McCaffrey was traded by the Panthers, who regretted his contract as the team struggled. Henry was let go by the Titans despite his success. Even for the league's elite, the question of whether they are worth paying remains inescapable.
This is not just a sports story. It is a story about labour, value and how we reward those who give the most.
A changing approach in the NFL
Some teams have responded by using multiple running backs instead of one star. The Bears, Vikings and Steelers have all found success with this approach, replicating the production of a top player at a fraction of the cost.
The Chiefs tried this for two years. It did not work. So Andy Reid, the head coach, decided to change course and brought in Walker.
Walker had just helped the Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl. He was the engine room of that team, much like N'Golo Kante was for Leicester City's title-winning side. When Kante left, Leicester lost something essential. The Chiefs are hoping Walker brings that same energy to Kansas City.
What does this mean for the Chiefs this season?
The Chiefs have been one of the most pass-heavy offences since Patrick Mahomes arrived. That is about to change. With Walker in the backfield, they can now do as much damage on the ground as they can in the air.
This shift was not accidental. The Chiefs watched the Eagles run through their defence in Super Bowl 59, and saw a similar story in Super Bowl 60. They learned the lesson and acted on it.
Monday night's game was a warning to the rest of the league. The Chiefs are not going anywhere.
Three NFL games to watch this weekend
Denver Broncos vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Two surprise division winners from last season, both with elite defences and exciting offences. This one should be worth watching.
Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings
Ninety-eight points between them in week one. Can we get another shootout in week two?
LA Rams vs New York Giants
The Giants, fresh from the shock result of week one, take on the Super Bowl favourites in primetime.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the Chiefs sign Kenneth Walker?
The Chiefs signed Walker to fix their running game, which had been inefficient for two seasons. Walker is a proven star who can give them a reliable ground attack and take pressure off the passing offence.
Is Kenneth Walker the best running back in the NFL?
Walker is among the top running backs in the league. He was the Super Bowl MVP and ran for over 170 yards in his first game with the Chiefs, but whether he is the best is a matter of debate.
What is the average salary of an NFL running back?
In 2025, running backs had the third-lowest average salary of any position in the NFL, earning less on average than kickers despite taking more physical punishment.