Gainwell Becoming Mr. Do-It-All
by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published December 18, 2025, 4:29 PM
Last year in Philadelphia, no one remembers any running back except Saquan Barkley after his incredible 2,005-yard rushing season. The Eagles won the Super Bowl and for the most part the rest of the backfield was an afterthought.
That reality makes Kenneth Gainwell’s rise in Pittsburgh all the more striking. Removed from Barkley’s long shadow and dropped into an offense that values versatility and reliability, Gainwell has quietly authored a career year one that has not only reshaped his own narrative but caught the keen eye of one of the sharpest evaluators the game has ever seen.
Gainwell has already amassed 783 yards of offense, a career high, with personal bests in both rushing (451 yards) and receiving (332 yards). He’s doing it efficiently, too, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, nearly five a pop, while consistently delivering in moments that matter. In an offense searching for week-to-week dependability, Gainwell has become the Steelers’ most reliable option. If that doesn’t convince you, Gainwell’s also the teams leading receiver with 57 catches.
That hasn’t gone unnoticed by Aaron Rodgers.
“I love playing with him. He’s as smart as they come. I still cannot believe what we got him for,” Rodgers said Monday night, a comment that cut to both Gainwell’s football IQ and the bargain Pittsburgh found in him. Rodgers has repeatedly emphasized that whenever Gainwell touches the field, the offense responds. “Every time he went in the game, something good happens. I can’t say enough good things about Kenny. Every single game it seems like he comes up with impactful plays.”
Rodgers’ praise goes deeper than box scores.
He’s long prided himself on recognizing talent early, especially players others overlook. That’s why one remark resonated throughout the locker room: “I told him a long time ago, my goal was to get him paid.” It was equal parts endorsement and prophecy.
After practice, Gainwell acknowledged hearing the comments and feeling their weight.
“Yeah, of course I did, yeah,” he said. “It feels amazing, you know, like Aaron can spot out good guys whenever, and guys that know ball and know football and stuff like that. So, it great coming from him.”
Despite the production and growing attention, Gainwell remains grounded. When asked whether the success in Pittsburgh has brought more notoriety, his response reflected the same humility that’s made him so dependable.
“I’m just, you know, I’m just grateful for the opportunity,” Gainwell said. “If I am getting viral or, you know, getting notarized for people… I just think I’m, you know, blessed for that opportunity to go out there and show my true talent and what I can do.”
Back in Latrobe during training camp, Gainwell talked about fishing his quiet escape from football. When jokingly asked if popularity might interfere with his favorite secluded fishing holes, he laughed.
“(LOL) yeah, no, I know, right? I won’t be able to step outside for real,” he said. “But I’m cool with it, long as they’re respectful at the same time, man, I’m just enjoying it.”
Rodgers framed Gainwell’s journey as part of something bigger.
“There’s some castoffs if you look at our roster. Kenny Gainwell signed a next to nothing contract. So says a lot about the character of the guys we brought in.”
From forgotten depth piece to trusted weapon, Gainwell’s season has been a reminder that talent doesn’t disappear sometimes it just needs the right stage, and the right quarterback, to be fully seen.
Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com
