Gainwell brings championship pedigree, experience to Steelers
TAYLOR OLLASON / STEELERS
Kenneth Gainwell (14) and Jonathan Ward (35) participate in OTAs at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
For the first time in his short career in the National Football League, KennethGainwell is adapting to a new environment with the Steelers.
Gainwell, a former fifth-round pick in 2021, spent the last four seasons with the Eagles and brings a championship pedigree to Pittsburgh after winning a Super Bowl and lifting the Lombardi Trophy for the first time in February. Now, he’s looking to continue that same success in black and gold after signing a one-year, $1.79-million contract in March.
"I think I bring a different role in this thing," said Gainwell, who is known more for his reliability as a pass protector and pass catcher out of the backfield. "These guys work hard and that culture that I see is real good to be around. It's high energy, high floor and it's something you want to be around."
Gainwell isn't the type of running back who will take carries away from the new No. 1 in Jaylen Warren, especially with KalebJohnson, the Steelers' third-round pick in this year's NFL Draft, also in the mix following a monster junior season at Iowa in which he ran for over 1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns.
But it's not like Gainwell is unfamiliar with playing a more limited role. He played behind the likes of Saquon Barkley, D'Andre Swift and MilesSanders during his time in Philadelphia and, despite mostly getting reps in more of a backup role as a pro, Gainwell does bring value with his ability to both run with and catch the football. In 66 career games, he's amassed 1,185 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, while adding just over 100 receptions for 721 yards and another score through the air.
Gainwell's played in big games, too. Nine of them to be exact. In those nine postseason appearances, he's totaled 232 rushing yards and 140 receiving yards. In three games during the 2022 playoffs, Gainwell averaged 60.3 rushing yards per game. The value of that experience shouldn't be overlooked.
"It's about understanding your body, understanding what it takes to get to that next step in the playoffs and making it from the playoffs to the Super Bowl," Gainwell said. "That type of thing, bringing that mindset over and showing them it can be done with hard work. We gotta continue to do that to keep each other safe and healthy. It can happen."
While Gainwell is in new territory surrounded by new teammates and coaches, he does have a bit of familiarity that will help with the transition. He was college teammates at Memphis with Calvin Austin III and spent the last four seasons with DariusSlay in Philadelphia. Gainwell even has ties to wide receiver GabeDavis, who visited with the Steelers Thursday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Our Chris Halicke reported that Davis was expected to leave the facility without signing a contract, but if he does eventually sign, there's a strong connection between he and Gainwell. The two met through a mutual trainer, created a bond through shared interests, including football, fishing and bowling, and now co-own a gym together in Winter Park, Fla.
Gainwell said he hasn't had conversations with Davis regarding the experience he's had so far in Pittsburgh. Instead, Gainwell said he's going to let Davis figure it out on his own. It's unclear whether the two will be teammates for the first time in their careers, but having another familiar face will certainly help the young, yet experienced running back further adapt amidst this new chapter in his career.
"All I told him was that it's high energy around here and everybody around here loves ball," Gainwell said. "It would be amazing (to play with Davis). It would be crazy. I would love for Gabe to be here."
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
THE ASYLUM
José Negron
7:03 pm - 06.06.2025South SideGainwell brings championship pedigree, experience to Steelers
TAYLOR OLLASON / STEELERS
Kenneth Gainwell (14) and Jonathan Ward (35) participate in OTAs at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
For the first time in his short career in the National Football League, Kenneth Gainwell is adapting to a new environment with the Steelers.
Gainwell, a former fifth-round pick in 2021, spent the last four seasons with the Eagles and brings a championship pedigree to Pittsburgh after winning a Super Bowl and lifting the Lombardi Trophy for the first time in February. Now, he’s looking to continue that same success in black and gold after signing a one-year, $1.79-million contract in March.
"I think I bring a different role in this thing," said Gainwell, who is known more for his reliability as a pass protector and pass catcher out of the backfield. "These guys work hard and that culture that I see is real good to be around. It's high energy, high floor and it's something you want to be around."
Gainwell isn't the type of running back who will take carries away from the new No. 1 in Jaylen Warren, especially with Kaleb Johnson, the Steelers' third-round pick in this year's NFL Draft, also in the mix following a monster junior season at Iowa in which he ran for over 1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns.
But it's not like Gainwell is unfamiliar with playing a more limited role. He played behind the likes of Saquon Barkley, D'Andre Swift and Miles Sanders during his time in Philadelphia and, despite mostly getting reps in more of a backup role as a pro, Gainwell does bring value with his ability to both run with and catch the football. In 66 career games, he's amassed 1,185 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, while adding just over 100 receptions for 721 yards and another score through the air.
Gainwell's played in big games, too. Nine of them to be exact. In those nine postseason appearances, he's totaled 232 rushing yards and 140 receiving yards. In three games during the 2022 playoffs, Gainwell averaged 60.3 rushing yards per game. The value of that experience shouldn't be overlooked.
"It's about understanding your body, understanding what it takes to get to that next step in the playoffs and making it from the playoffs to the Super Bowl," Gainwell said. "That type of thing, bringing that mindset over and showing them it can be done with hard work. We gotta continue to do that to keep each other safe and healthy. It can happen."
While Gainwell is in new territory surrounded by new teammates and coaches, he does have a bit of familiarity that will help with the transition. He was college teammates at Memphis with Calvin Austin III and spent the last four seasons with Darius Slay in Philadelphia. Gainwell even has ties to wide receiver Gabe Davis, who visited with the Steelers Thursday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Our Chris Halicke reported that Davis was expected to leave the facility without signing a contract, but if he does eventually sign, there's a strong connection between he and Gainwell. The two met through a mutual trainer, created a bond through shared interests, including football, fishing and bowling, and now co-own a gym together in Winter Park, Fla.
Gainwell said he hasn't had conversations with Davis regarding the experience he's had so far in Pittsburgh. Instead, Gainwell said he's going to let Davis figure it out on his own. It's unclear whether the two will be teammates for the first time in their careers, but having another familiar face will certainly help the young, yet experienced running back further adapt amidst this new chapter in his career.
"All I told him was that it's high energy around here and everybody around here loves ball," Gainwell said. "It would be amazing (to play with Davis). It would be crazy. I would love for Gabe to be here."
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
We’d love to have you!