What better recruiting boost could a head coach possibly need other than “my school just produced the Super Bowl MVP”? Pat Fitzgerald now has that in his repertoire as former Michigan State star Kenneth Walker III won the Super Bowl LX MVP on Sunday.
Anyone who watched the game realized that Walker was the best player on the field, regardless of team. He was also one of two Spartans introduced as starters — the other being Bryce Baringer.
Michigan State fans watched as Walker not only became the first-ever Spartan to rush for 100-plus yards in a Super Bowl, but also win the school’s first MVP in the big game.
In a 29-13 game, you’d think there were several impressive solo performances, but Walker’s night really stood out, especially with Sam Darnold struggling a bit with a 19-for-38 performance through the air with just over 200 yards and a touchdown.
Walker had himself a day, rushing for 135 yards on 27 carries, and he had two catches for 26 yards, really setting the Seahawks up multiple times for scores.
If not for Walker, Seattle’s offense wouldn’t have had enough firepower to put the Patriots away, even though they also struggled offensively.
For Michigan State fans, this performance wasn’t surprising.
Kenneth Walker III shows up on the biggest stages
When the lights are shining the brightest, Walker is showing up and showing out.
Back in his lone season with Michigan State before leaving for the NFL in 2021, Walker had a five-touchdown performance in a comeback win over Michigan, almost guaranteeing himself a spot at the Heisman Trophy Ceremony in New York — at least according to Gus Johnson.
Unfortunately, he was snubbed and wasn’t invited, but he did win the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top running back — the first Spartan to ever win it.
Now, he becomes the first-ever Spartan to win Super Bowl MVP, rush for over 100 yards in a Super Bowl, and now he’s the second straight Spartan to be able to call himself a Super Bowl champion, following Ben VanSumeren from a year ago with the Eagles.
Spartan legend.