The Pittsburgh Steelers’ running back group played a significant role during the 2025 season, with Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren leading the way. Gainwell joined the team on a one-year contract at the start of free agency to complement Warren in the backfield.
Gainwell finished second on the team in rushing yards with a career-high 537, behind Warren’s 958 yards. He also led all Steelers receivers with 73 catches out of 85 targets, totaling 486 receiving yards and tying Warren for a team-best eight touchdowns. His combined yardage from scrimmage reached a personal best of 1,023, trailing only Warren’s total of 1,291.
In addition to his offensive contributions, Gainwell returned 26 kickoffs for 633 yards and made three tackles on special teams. He also forced a fumble during special teams play. His performance earned him recognition as the Steelers’ Most Valuable Player through a vote by his teammates.
“It’s not a vote that any of us take lightly,” said T.J. Watt, himself a five-time team MVP. “It’s a huge honor. Kenny G, he’s made so many plays.”
One notable moment came against the Detroit Lions when quarterback Aaron Rodgers signaled Gainwell to run down the sideline late in the first half. After being knocked down by linebacker Alex Anzalone and drawing defensive pass interference, Gainwell caught Rodgers’ deep pass while on the ground, got up untouched, and ran for a tying touchdown just before halftime.
“Unbelievable catch,” said Rodgers. “And our other back, he had a heck of a game, too.”
Jaylen Warren also had an impressive season after signing an extension prior to its start—the first Steelers running back since Willie Parker to do so. Warren set career highs with 958 rushing yards on 211 carries and six rushing touchdowns while adding two more scores through receiving.
Warren’s standout games included rushing for 143 yards against Detroit and gaining 158 total yards against Cincinnati earlier in the year. Rodgers highlighted another memorable play: “I threw out in the flat,” Rodgers said, “and if you pause the film there’s like three guys in the way. He makes all three miss and then runs over the safety for a 12-yard gain and just comes back to the huddle like ‘yeah, hmmm, normal, nothing crazy happened.’ That’s what I love about him. There’s the expectation when he gets the ball that something great is going to happen. His energy like that is very infectious for an offense.”
Warren described his physical style: “That’s part of the reason why I do it,” Warren said, “just to, you know, set a tone, let them know what kind of night it’s gonna be.”
Gainwell will become eligible for free agency when the new fiscal year begins March 11.
Kaleb Johnson was drafted from Iowa last April but saw limited action as a rookie with just 69 rushing yards on 28 carries plus one reception for nine yards.
The team’s future roster includes Lew Nichols—who played primarily on special teams last season—and Max Hurleman who joined via futures contract after starring at Notre Dame.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been recognized historically both for their success—including six Super Bowl championships according to their official website—and their efforts in honoring past contributors through venues such as their Hall of Honor Museum at Acrisure Stadium (official website). The franchise remains affiliated with the National Football League (official website).
