One Husker Redefined “Impact Player”

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When you hear the term “impact player” you might think of a guy like former NU safety Mike Brown who defensive coordinator Charlie McBride likened to a “heat-seeking missile”. In a memorable game against #21 Texas A&M Brown recorded nine tackles (six unassisted), including two tackles for loss, forced two fumbles, intercepted two passes and had one pass break up. Or you might think of someone like lightning-quick I-back Jarvis Redwine who had a knack for busting long touchdown runs.

But probably no Husker player will surpass the impact of one All-American, whose performance at Nebraska transcended football.

kennywalker.jpg Google Kenny Walker (and ignore all the stuff about the former slam dunk champion) and you’ll find the typical stuff about him being a top defensive tackle at Nebraska and a defensive end for the Denver Broncos. But you’ll also see his name pop up in stories about young deaf athletes (Walker, as most will remember was deaf from the age of two) as a major inspiration in their lives. For Walker to not only play major college football but to perform at an All-American level was simply amazing. His story has been retold countless times including in books like “Roar of Silence: The Kenny Walker Story” and “Great Deaf Americans”. His value as a role model to the hearing impaired athletes can’t be underestimated. If there’s one Nebraska football story that deserves to be made into a movie someday, it’s Walker’s.

But Walker also had a major impact on the Nebraska program. Seldom do we look back on painful losses with pride, but no one who was in Memorial stadium on Senior day in 1990 for Kenny Walker’s last home game against Colorado could forget the silent ovation that fans provided for Walker. I’m not one to shed tears over football, but anyone who wasn’t a little choked up in that moment has no soul. Walker might be the only reason to remember the otherwise forgettable season of 1990. His story touched people nationwide.

Jack Stark, former team psychologist also shared how Walker was instrumental in the turnaround of the Husker program in the early 1990’s. When asked, what turned around the program Stark says he can remember the exact moment. Prior to the Citrus Bowl, Osborne had been given some news that his health might not allow him to continue to coach another year. After a poor first half against Georgia Tech, Osborne got choked up as he made a veiled reference to his possible departure in a halftime speech. Walker, who was reading Osborne’s lips picked the coach up and gave him a big bear hug and as Stark put it, “the guys just went kablooey”. That moment, Stark felt changed the psychology of the team and lead to an unparalleled level of dominance in the years that followed.

There have been tackles at Nebraska that have probably been better performers on the field. But no Husker may ever approach the impact of Kenny Walker. Not ever.

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Comments 24 comments so far

Cliff Jun 20 06

As the father of a deaf son I appreciate this story and the history of Kenny Walker more than most. THANKS.

Lothar Jun 24 06

I too, remember the 1990 Senior Day and the silent ovation for Kenny. That was most definately a magical moment.

When I was in college, I attempted to get Kenny Walker to be a keynote speaker and conference that my school was hosting. Unfortunately, it didn't work out.

I also remember hearing a few years ago about some emotional problems that Kenny Walker had several years ago. As I recall, he either attempted suicide or was very near doing so. I'm glad that he was able to put those troubles behind him.

Mike Dombrowski Sep 12 06

Does anyone know where Kenny Walker is now ? Or what he is doing ? Thanks Mike

Steve Sep 14 06

Last I'd heard, Walker was coaching football at the Iowa School for the Deaf.

Ron Hill Sep 23 06

Does anybody like me,believe in fate,kismet,or the 6* idea from the new ABC series? I ask this only because,I have learned that the best way to enjoy a Husker football game is to listen to it online. While doing so,I always think about questions like the one posed here. I would also like to know what Mr.Walker is up to these days. I checked the Iowa School for the Deaf website,unfortunately,all current staff are not listed anywhere that I could see. Thanks for letting me use some of your space.

CGC Oct 16 06

I went to high school with Kenny in Crane, Tx. It is an awesome guy. The last time I saw some of the family when his father died a few years back. I was unable to attend the funeral and missed seeing him. The last I heard, Kenny was living in Alaska with his brother who is a helicopter pilot for the Army. His brother (who is older) had taken him in when all of his "problems" started. With the war going on, I don't know if they are still in Alask or not.

Marguerite Nov 17 06

I am the mother of a son who is deaf. We met Kenny in North Platte, NE during his book signing for Roar of Silence. He signed his book for our son, David, who was probably 8 years old at that time. David just turned 16 and has gone through a great deal of similarities as in Kenny's life. His education was lacking greatly in the small school in Maxwell, NE that he has attended since kindergarten. He had not been provided with a qualified interpreter for entire years in this school. This year is David's first year at the Iowa School for the Deaf. It is difficult on our family since the school is over 300 miles from our home, but we had to do what we can to ensure that our son receive a quality eduacation. We have high hopes that David's educational needs will turn around here. As in some of the other comments, we would love to know Kenny's whereabouts now and what he is doing. What an inspirational man!!

Darla Nov 19 06

As of Feb 2005, Kenny was a counselor at Midland Empire Resources for Independent Living in Missouri. However he's not on their staff web page now. That's the most recent information I've seen about him.

Jason Nov 20 06

Thanks for the info Darla. It is clear that Kenny impacted a number of people in a very positive way.

We'll try to track him down because I'm sure folks would like to know what he's been up to. If anyone else has info on how to get in touch with Kenny, please let us know.

Joey Nov 26 06

Last I saw, Kenny was living and working in Anchorage, Alaska. His name and address are even listed on Switchboard (just check Kenny W Walker). Someone told me he had a "DVR" (Division of Vocational Rehabiliation) related job. All rumors. He was only at Iowa for a short time. I have what is probably one of the largest Kenny Walker collections ... one of his college helmets, every football card ever made of him (there were 58), autographed photos, his book, magazine articles, etc.

vanessa Dec 27 06

I hope Kenny is doing well. He is still an inspiration for many people and children. I hope I can give him a chance to reach even more kids with and without disabilities. My idea for the "Best Superbowl Commercial Ever. Seriously." contest was chosen as a semifinalist and presents a good message for kids who are deaf or hearing impaired. Please take a look at my idea at www.nfl.com/superad/vote
If my pitch wins, I am very hopeful that Kenny will be a part of it.

Cindy Feb 21 07

I am Kenny's girlfriend of 3 years. It is great to see positive references to Kenny and his impact on the lives of his fans. Thank you all for your kind words. Life has been tough after football for Kenny but he keeps trying. It is amazing how many people are uninformed on how to deal with a deaf person and the job market for the deaf is very limited as yet. Those who have your own businesses out there, consider hiring someone who is deaf! They will be loyal employees and not distracted as easily as those of us with hearing. Learn all you can about the deaf community and make Kenny proud! Thank you!

Renee' Hamp Mar 08 07

Hi to Kenny's girlfriend. I am a parent of a very talented deaf football player myself. I understand after football it is tough and I try to tell my son that education is the key. His coaches help keep him in line during the season but after he is on his own. He is letting the world influence him and going down a bad road. I would love the opportunity for my son to meet Kenny one day. Kenny would be a great inspiration for all the young deaf kids out there. We especially need VISIBLE SUCCESSFUL BLACK ADULT role models for these children. Please write the deaf schools in the country and go as an Inspirational "signer/speaker". They need you Kenny. I hope and pray things get better for Kenny. Think about my suggestion. If you'd like to contact me write back and I'll send you contact info. thanks for taking the time to post.

danny Apr 18 07

would like to get in touch with kenny any body know his email address for deaf events

Duane King Apr 27 07

We of Deaf Missions are preparing an infomercial that will be broadcast on commercial television this fall. A member of our staff, Harold Noe, was a friend of Kenny's while he played football at Nebraska. Harold arranged for some public honors for Kenny. We understand that Kenny was part of a Christian organization on campus during his days at Nebraska. We would like to emphasize, in the infomercial, that deaf people can succeed, can follow Jesus, can be pleasant to be around; and we would like to promote Deaf Missions as a source for Christian materials for deaf people. BUT WE NEED TO CONTACT KENNY. How? Who will give us his address? Thank you. Duane King, Director of DM

brent von essen May 08 07

Saw Kenny Walker just last week May 2, 2007. He comes to Glenwood, Iowa once a week to play a round of golf. He's been to the course a number of times this year. He still looks as if he was playing. I was a walk-on about 3 years ahead of Kenny in college. The only guy on the team at that time that was close to Kenny physicially was Mike Croel. Kenny was so cut. He still looks that way today.

Patti B May 22 07

I am an interpreter who was living in Nebraska during the Kenny Walker era. I am now interpreting for a young deaf boy in Montana who is a huge football fan. I would like any updates on Kenny to teach my student of the possiblities for talented deaf athletes. We need to have positive role models for these kids!

LeAnn Hunt Jun 26 07

This is to Brent Von Essen. I am a girlfriend to a friend of his from Wichita, KS. He worked with my boyfriend at Suburban Landscape here in Wichita. We went to his former address here in Wichita the later part of April and was informed that he had just moved the week before. My question to you is if you see him every week in Iowa how could he had been living in Kansas just a few weeks before. If you do see him again please let him know there are several people from Wichita, KS who are concerned about him and to please make contact with us. Thank you. Or to the friend of the family could you please let his family know we would like to hear from him.

Scott Polston Jul 09 07

Ya, Where is Kenny Walker now? I am taking an ASL class @ Bakersfield College and I'M doing a Deaf Culture Poster on KENNY WALKER. I am a huge Denver Bronco fan and remember him playing back in the early 90's. If there are any up dates on Kenny Walker please post them; and if you read this Mr. Kenny Walker know that you are an amazing human being and thank you for your influence in the Deaf Community.

Jonathan Massey Jul 20 07

I had the chance to spend time with Kenny at Tarkio Academy. I spent most of my time working on another floor,but he and I talk alot. We lived in the same apartment home and he was an great person. To his girlfriend Cindy let him know I say Hello. Kenny was a great person. Kenny was the only person I know who warmed up every morning before work in our briefings. That show how much he loved sports and his health.

brent von essen Aug 07 07

To LeAnn Hunt. Just saw Kenny last week (July 29, 2007) at the golf course in Glenwood, Iowa. In fact, he played in a golf tournment in Glenwood last Sunday with some friends of mine. Kenny has lived in Glenwood, Iowa for about a year now. He is working at the Iowa School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Council Bluffs is 15 miles North of Glenwood. If someone would want info on Kenny, I could pass it along to the golf pro at the course. He said Kenny comes in usually on Thursdays, his day off. My email is bvonessen@millscountybank.com.

Steve Grisham Sep 15 07

My son is also a deaf football player. He plays for Alvin H.S. in Alvin Tx. He starts as RB & DE. I too would love for my son to meet Kenny one day. What a role model for our kids to look up to.

Renata Oct 18 07

Hello Cindy,

I have a son that is a Defensive lineman for Western Kentucky University right now. I have been trying to make contact with Kenny for many years to find out if he reaches out to deaf athletes that have gone to the next level of football. Right now my son really needs a person that knows the story about how hard it is for him. My son is a Junior right now at WKU. He went to a all hearing High School and became a ALL-Star he then went on the JUNCO and became a ALL-Star there as well. Over the summer the University had Campus to prove yourself and your skills and my son had know Interpreter the most part of the summer. Communitcation problems have set in and now this ALL-Star is sitting on the bench. I have ask the Coaching Staff what the problem is and the only answer I have gotten was they are having a communication problem. I don't see how or why. He is 6'2"1/2 290 and does the 40 in 4.8 to 5.3 he is the one of three strongest on the team. He has lettered in Three sports.
What is anything can be offer to WKU to clear up
their delima in order to get him off the bench for his last year and playing. I think he should change schools. But my son is not so easy to change in that way he really love the University, but hate that his dreasm of many playing CFL or NFL is over because he will not have any stats to follow him. When is is put into the games his stats are just as equal to the players that play the position all the time. I am not just saying this because is is my son. It took a lot for me to even let him leave to go to a University because I was afraid he would not be treated fairly. But Iam a sport mom and come from a sports family, all my sons are athletes, and if Munir did not have what it takes I would tell him do something else. But he is a great talent, just know one is really taken the time to communicate the plays to him in a language he understands. I really don't know how he is doing it at all.
The coach admitts he makes up a lost of signs, but this is clearly not a good thing, because the sign could get crossed up with something else.

In know means is this to take anything away from Mr. Walker. But after learning and reading about Kenny, I am worried because I see trouble and heart break comming and it has started this year. His Universisty has no other deaf person like him. They might have one or two hearing impaired but. Not profound like Munir #99 young deaf black male.

Sign

Mom looking for help in anyway
Please email me and I will send you my information

Clyde Feb 12 08

I wonder of Kenny Walker used to play ex NFL for Denver Broncos in 2 years temporary and also was he used to be ex play for CFL at Whinnipeg Blue Bombers for 5 years?
Please let me know about his background in Professional Deaf Play Footballer!

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