His full first name is Kenneth, and that’s what he has been listed as on rosters throughout college and the NFL.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ newest running back, though, is indifferent in regards to how he’s addressed.
“It doesn’t matter,” Mr. Gainwell said Thursday in his first interaction with Pittsburgh reporters since signing with the Steelers. “Kenneth. Kenny. Kenny G.
“Do you want to call me, ‘Kenny G?’ ”
Thursday’s introductory news conference at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex was not for a famed jazz saxophonist but was for the man who filled a complementary running back role for the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Over his four seasons with the Eagles — two of which ended with a Super Bowl appearance — Gainwell was the change-of-pace back to Philadelphia Pro Bowlers Miles Sanders, D’Andre Swift and Saquon Barkley.
In Pittsburgh, he will share the workload with Jaylen Warren.
Super Bowl-winning RB Kenneth Gainwell on why he chose to sign with the Steelers pic.twitter.com/x9BpZCW7Xr
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) March 13, 2025
“Our play style can be similar. Our play style can be different,” said Gainwell, who is listed at 5-foot-9, 200 pounds. “It doesn’t matter as long as we can win on Sunday. And you know, bringing that attitude.”
On the Steelers roster, Gainwell replaces four-year starting running back Najee Harris, who signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Chargers. Warren had increasingly infringed on Harris’ carries and snaps, though, since Warren joined the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
Warren on Monday was tendered a $5.35 million contract for 2025 that all but assures he will be with the Steelers this coming season. Gainwell signed for a reported $1.79 million.
For now, Cordarrelle Patterson, Jonathan Ward, Evan Hull and Aaron Shampklin also are on the roster at running back for a Steelers team that, under coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, have a stated emphasis on a strong running game and in investing in the offensive line.
In 66 career NFL games, Gainwell has 1,1185 rushing yards, a 4.2-yard per-carry average, 102 receptions for 721 yards and 13 total touchdowns. He has added two touchdowns and 372 yards from scrimmage in the postseason.
“It was an opportunity, me having more of an opportunity to get out in space and make a move or run more routes,” Gainwell said of his decision to sign with the Steelers. “We love to run the ball here, so (happy) to get to run the ball a little bit more.”
