Running back Kenneth Gainwell has been named the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Most Valuable Player for the 2025 season, as voted by his teammates. Gainwell joined the team on a one-year contract during the offseason, initially expected to complement fellow running back Jaylen Warren.
“It’s crazy, but I’m very appreciative of those guys,” said Gainwell about receiving the MVP vote from his teammates. “I know they know how hard I work. It feels good to have those guys on my side.
“I think that’s the highest you can go. Team MVP. The guys know what the MVP can go out there and do. And it just feels good to have that coming from them.”
Through 16 games, Gainwell recorded 109 carries for 527 yards with a 4.8-yard average and four rushing touchdowns, ranking second in rushing yards on the team behind Warren. He also caught 65 passes for 422 yards and three receiving touchdowns, placing third in receiving yards after DK Metcalf and Pat Freiermuth.
“It’s not a vote that any of us take lightly,” said linebacker T.J. Watt, who has won team MVP five times himself. “It’s a huge honor. Kenny G, he’s made so many plays in the run and pass.
“Great teammate as well. He works hard. Can’t say enough great things about him as a player and as a teammate. So, I’m just excited for him.”
Gainwell also contributed on special teams with 25 kickoff returns totaling 601 yards, averaging 24 yards per return with a long of 36 yards. In total, he amassed 949 yards from scrimmage and reached 1,550 all-purpose yards in his first year with Pittsburgh.
“Kenny’s been unbelievable in the passing game, just unbelievable,” said quarterback Aaron Rodgers. “And he’s so dang smart.
“I was telling him, I wish I played with him for 10 years just because of the kind of player that he is.
“You just love playing with that guy.”
A notable moment came during Week 16 against Detroit when Gainwell caught a long pass from Rodgers while being knocked down but not touched by defenders; he got up to complete a 45-yard touchdown reception before halftime.
“Aaron called a play and he told me just go out and run a go ball,” said Gainwell. “It takes unbelievable concentration to catch a ball like that.
“I kind of lost it for a minute in the lights and then the last second it came to me. I just put my hand on the ground, and I don’t know how I caught that, but caught it.
“Never give up on a play. Just go score.
“It takes unbelievable concentration, knowing that you have to come back to the ball. What I did was try to draw a flag. If the ball was going to be too far, I tried to draw a flag. But at the same time, I tried to come to the ball and it just sat in my hands.
“I just caught it and went in and scored.”
Gainwell added: “That just goes with knowing the rules,” he said regarding realizing he had not been touched down after catching the pass.”Knowing if you catch a ball, get up and go score…I knew I had to get up and go score…”
He also played an important role in short-yardage situations such as participating in Pittsburgh’s ‘tush push’ formation—once breaking free around right end for an unexpected gain against Chicago—and welcomed these responsibilities: “I’m taking that opportunity,” Gainwell stated earlier this season.”I always talk about opportunities,and I’m taking full advantage of that.I’m just embracing it.”
The Steelers’ tradition of honoring standout players dates back decades—with past recipients including Terry Bradshaw (1977-78), Joe Greene (1970), Franco Harris (1972), among others listed at their official Hall of Fame website. The organization is known for celebrating its history through initiatives like its Hall of Honor at Acrisure Stadium (link), which recognizes figures who have contributed significantly both on field performance—including six Super Bowl championships (link)—and community engagement efforts (link). The franchise remains affiliated with the National Football League since its founding by Arthur J Rooney Sr.in1933(link).
Gainwell joins this legacy as part of an ongoing effort by Pittsburgh’s leadership—including president Art Rooney II—to preserve football excellence while connecting current achievements with storied traditions (link).
