Another moral victory for the Michigan Panthers as Joe Walker earns the fourth individual player award for the Panthers. After putting up an 8 catch 129-yard performance that included two touchdowns Joe Walker was awarded the Week 9 Offensive Player of The Week despite the Panthers losing to the Generals 25-23.
Walker was an NFL UDFA out of the University of Delaware in 2019. After spending the 2019 preseason with the Chicago Bears, Walker would get cut by the Bears after training camp and after being on the short list for several NFL teams, hasn’t found himself in an NFL camp since his time with the Bears. Walker would have short stints with the DC Defenders of the XFL and Ottawa Redblacks but never apperaed in any games with either league. After going undrafted in the USFL Draft Walker was signed by the Michigan Panthers to replace Quincy Adeboyejo who did not report to camp for the Panthers.
Walker has been dynamic for the Panthers since joining the team. In addition to his skills as wide receiver Walker has contributed on special teams, as a returner, a holder and has completed two passes for 36 yards and a touchdown.
This weekend Walker started his crusade by catching his first touchdown on 4th down from Josh Love in the 2nd quarter, and then in the 3rd quarter from Eric Barriere to give the Panthers the lead. Walker’s offensive output was a culmination of weeks of hard work and determination as he went from an afterthought to a now focal point in the Panthers Offense.
Walker is now the 3rd Panthers player to earn an individual award joining Cole Murphy (Twice) and Reggie Corbin. With The Panthers currently 1-8 and eliminated from playoff contention, Walkers individual achievements give Panthers fans hope moving forward into 2023. With the Panthers having a lot of questions heading into the Offseason, one question they do not have to worry about is Walker, as the former Delaware Blue Hen has solidified himself as a professional Wide Receiver in the USFL and looks to be a key piece of the Panthers roster next year.
