Former Steelers MVP Kenneth Gainwell Praises Mike Tomlin And Staff For Thrilling 2025 Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers did not expect the level of production they got from their running back core in 2025. While Jaylen Warren got plenty of reps as the starter and racked up over 1,000 all-purpose yards, his backup won Team MVP. Kenneth Gainwell led the team in receptions and had over 1,000 total scrimmage yards as well as he quickly became one of Aaron Rodgers' favorite players. As unexpected as it was, it was a great campaign for the versatile back as he made magic happen all over the field. 

Gainwell used that great play to secure himself a solid contract. After playing for almost the league minimum in Pittsburgh, he signed a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with most of his money coming via guarantees. He definitely cashed in well off of that great season in Pittsburgh, and he will remember that year for the rest of his life. 

During his introductory press conference with the Buccaneers, Gainwell made sure to remember those who helped him get this bag.

"I think it was a great thing that me and Jaylen [Warren] did last year," Gainwell said. [The Steelers] put us in great situations for us to both succeed as a running back. He had 1,000 rushing [yards], I had 1,000 all-purpose. They gave us a great situation to go out and be successful. That's just something we want to bring here [to Tampa Bay]."

If there's one thing the Steelers love offensively, it's the run game. That has been Mike Tomlin's philosophy ever since he got hired in Pittsburgh, and that was why he brought in Arthur Smith to be his offensive coordinator. Even with Rodgers coming in, they wanted to keep pounding the rock to help set up the pass. Warren did that, and Gainwell was used all over the place on offense. 

Gainwell's role changed and grew significantly as the 2025 season went on. In Week 4, Warren was held out due to injury, and the former Super Bowl champion became the starter. He had 25 touches for 134 all-purpose yards, including 99 rushing yards, and a pair of touchdowns on the ground. He was quiet again after that, but not for long. 

Starting in Week 14, he had at least seven targets in all but one of the remaining games. In Week 16, his endless motor finally was shown on a national scale as he made a miraculous catch on the ground, then got up to score right before halftime. In a five-point win, that score ended up being the turning point of the game for Pittsburgh when they were playing for a field goal at the time. 

Steelers' New Philosophy Would Likely Not Have Worked For Gainwell

With Tomlin out and Mike McCarthy in, the focus will most likely shift more towards the pass game, but there will definitely be fewer power runs due to his reliance on 11 personnel. Besides, the new coach wanted to bring in a lot of his former players, including Rico Dowdle. Tomlin, Smith, and their staff helped show the league who Gainwell really was, and he went to a team that would help him continue to thrive. 

What do you think about Gainwell praising the Steelers' previous coaching staff for helping him and Warren thrive in Pittsburgh? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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