Super Bowl Champion in Backfield in Pittsburgh
by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published June 6, 2025, 8:31 AM
Pittsburgh, PA – When Zach Bryan sings “Find a shade tree and a honey hole” in Burn, Burn, Burn, it’s a sentiment that hits home for new Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell. The Mississippi native, who joined Pittsburgh this spring after four seasons with the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles, has found peace in two very different places: the football field and the fishing hole.
“Definitely, yes. It’s my type of flow, you know, it’s smooth,” Gainwell said about fishing. “I definitely have found some spots I can go.”
For Gainwell, fishing is more than a hobby it’s a reset. It’s the counterbalance to the punishing, fast-paced life of an NFL running back. “Bass right now. Gram whatever, you know, man really whatever is in the lake or river,” he added. “Wherever, it’s not too hard to find.”
Now wearing No. 14 after initially donning 21 when he signed, Gainwell found himself mistaken for another newcomer during OTAs.
“You got me mixed up with somebody,” rookie Montana Lemonious-Craig laughed. “I’m not coming off no Super Bowls either. I just got in from there, brother. I’m Montana.”
But Gainwell has come from a Super Bowl-caliber program, and he arrives in Pittsburgh with a chance to make a real impact in Arthur Smith’s run-heavy offensive system. As a pass-catching back who was targeted an average of 34.5 times per year in Philly, he offers a dimension the Steelers have lacked versatility and quickness in space.
With Jaylen Warren and rookie Kaleb Johnson leading the charge, Gainwell is ready to contribute in his own way alongside a deep position group that includes Jonathan Ward and Evan Hull.
“I envision us whipping somebody ass every Sunday. I swear,” Gainwell said. “I envision every guy on this team especially in the running back room getting their hands on the ball, contributing real big to this game.”
He’s serious about his expectations, not just for himself but for the team. “Hopefully we can take it to the next level,” he added. “Go deeper in the playoffs that’s something I’ve been doing every year. Taking it deeper and deeper and getting an opportunity towards the (Super) Bowl. That’s everybody’s dream.”
Still, when Sunday’s final whistle blows, it’s not rare to imagine No. 14 finding his way to a quiet bank somewhere outside the city limits. Rod in hand, helmet off, chasing whatever’s in the three rivers that sound Acrisure Stadium.
Between whipping ass and casting lines, Gainwell might have just found his new flow in Pittsburgh.
Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com
