"Next-To-Nothing": Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Gives High Praise To Pittsburgh's Key Free-Agent Signing

The Pittsburgh Steelers got a massive win in Week 15, as they beat the Miami Dolphins by a final score of 28-15. That does not do the game justice, however, as both of Miami's touchdowns came in the fourth quarter after the game already felt over, and Pittsburgh started playing a basic soft zone to eat clock. It was ugly at first, but it turned into pure domination as the Black and Gold rattled off four consecutive touchdowns to take a commanding lead. This may have been the best win in 2025 for the team thus far. 

During his postgame press conference, quarterback Aaron Rodgers repeatedly felt the need to shout out one of his running backs for playing great, despite his current deal. 

"[Kenneth] Gainwell signed a next-to-nothing contract..." Rodgers said. "I think the run that he had, 38 yards on a simple inside zone weak, just his vision, just fun to watch. I can't tell you what I call him every week because there's some expletives in there, but I love playing with him. I really do. He is as smart as they come. He is super smart, and I still cannot believe what we got him for. I told him a long time ago: my goal was to get him paid because I was a fan of his since he was in Philly and thought that every time that he went in the game, something good happened. And the type of guy that he is, I can't say enough good things about Kenny."

For someone who is not very long-winded with the media, Rodgers' constant praise for running back Kenneth Gainwell should be taken as a badge of honor. He was signed for just $1.79 million, and he is playing like a $10 million running back. That is an absolute steal of a contract for the Steelers, and that gets proven almost every time he touches the football. 

With starter Jaylen Warren under the weather, Gainwell got the bulk of the touches at the running back position in Week 15. He totaled 20 touches for 126 yards, including the 38-yard run that Rodgers brought up. The man who "gains well" may become a hot commodity in free agency in 2026, and his current deal will likely look like pennies compared to what he gets signed for, even if it's from another team.

Gainwell did have a rough start to the game, as he was constantly getting hit hard at the line of scrimmage or behind it. Once he broke that big run, it was over for the Dolphins. He exploded the rest of the game and finished with 6.2 yards per carry and 6.t yards per reception. His ability to take those hits and only get better show why Rodgers and the Steelers love him and want to make sure he gets the ball. 

Despite being listed as a backup running back, Gainwell has the opportunity to lead the Steelers in receptions for the entire 2025 season. That stat was on nobody's radar before Week 1, but now, it could become a reality. Even when Warren recovers from his sickness, there is no doubt that Rodgers and the coaches will do everything they can to get him the ball.

Steelers Accomplished Their Own Rare Feat

In one of the most shocking stats of the year, this game was the first time that the Steelers had more plays and more total yards than their opponent, yet they are still 8-6. Pittsburgh had constantly given up huge plays and a ton of yards while struggling to move the ball effectively. That was not the case for most of this contest. 

What do you think about Rodgers' praise of Gainwell? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

#SteelerNation