Kenneth Gainwell Has a Crazy 2-Word Response on Why He’s Done Well in Pittsburgh

Kenneth Gainwell has accumulated 1312 total yards and has scored 6 total touchdowns since signing with the Steelers.

Kenneth Gainwell Has a Crazy 2-Word Response on Why He’s Done Well in Pittsburgh

Aaron Rodgers and Kenneth Gainwell (Image via IMAGO)

A few days after veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers praised Kenneth Gainwell’s impressive season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Gainwell returned the favor. Gainwell was exceptional during the Steelers’ impressive victory against the Miami Dolphins.

He was everywhere on the field. From carrying the ball 13 times on the ground for 80 yards to making 7 catches for 46 yards. Gainwell’s best moment in the game took place right after halftime. He rushed 41 total yards on two carries that set up Rodgers’ 19-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

The win over the Dolphins improved the Steelers’ record to 8-6, keeping them at the top of the AFC North. Gainwell has played an anchoring role in helping the Steelers reach this position, and it has reflected on his statsheet.

Gainwell has accumulated 1312 total yards—93 carries for 451 yards (4.8 yards per carry) for 4 touchdowns, along with 57 receptions for 332 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns in 14 games with the Steelers. He never touched 1000 yards in four years with the Philadelphia Eagles. The best he could do was 862 yards in 2024.

When reporters asked the reason behind the growth in his numbers, the 26-year-old answered with a name. “Aaron Rodgers,” Kenneth Gainwell said. Gainwell credited Rodgers for trusting him with the ball in his hands. “Him trusting me… My hands. Doing the small things,” he replied.

Of course, Rodgers is the main reason the Steelers are dreaming of hoisting their first Lombardi Trophy since the days of Ben Roethlisberger. Gainwell has earned Rodgers’ trust, and despite the presence of a dynamic player like Jaylen Warren, he continues to shine from the backfield. Gainwell quipped:

I have been watching him [Aaron Rodgers] since I was a kid. So, I admire that. Just understanding his game… [I am] just happy to have him [here in Pittsburg].

What did Aaron Rodgers say about Kenneth Gainwell?

The Steelers needed an experienced back after Najee Harris left the team to sign with the Los Angeles Chargers in the offseason. Warren wasn’t viewed as an out-and-out number one with the third-round rookie Kaleb Johnson as his backup.

Kenneth Gainwell Has a Crazy 2-Word Response on Why He’s Done Well in Pittsburgh
Aaron Rodgers (Image via IMAGO)

In Philly, Gainwell’s time had come to an end. With offensive player of the year, Saquon Barkley, as the lead back, Gainwell found his reps limited, so he opted out of the Eagles. Not long after, he agreed to a one-year prove-it deal with the Steelers. And it’s safe to say he’s been worth every penny. Rodgers told the reporters on Monday:

I love playing with him [Kenneth Gainwell]. He’s as smart as they come. I still can not believe what we [the Steelers] got him for. I told [Kenny] a long time ago that my goal was to get him paid because I’ve been a fan of his since he was in Philly, and I thought every time he went in the game, something good [just] happens… I can’t say enough good things about Kenny. Every single game, it seems like he comes up with impactful plays and makes guys miss, catches the ball.

Aaron Rodgers appears to be enjoying life in Pittsburgh following his disastrous spell with the New York Jets. The 42-year-old has yet to hit top gear, but even at 80%, he’s still doing enough to win games. So far, he has accumulated 2594 yards on 248 pass completions (66.8%), 23 total touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. Next week, he takes on an old foe in the shape of the 8-6 Detroit Lions. He is 18-8 against the Lions in his career.

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