Latest news with #KennethGainwell
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Steelers RB Kenneth Gainwell Back in 14, Brushes Off George Pickens Connection
Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell told reporters on Thursday he is excited to have his old jersey number 14 back. PITTSBURGH–When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed running back Kenneth Gainwell in free agency, his old number 14 was already taken. Of course, it was donned by now-traded away receiver George Pickens. Gainwell got that number assigned back to him–and he is pretty happy about it. Advertisement Once Pickens was traded, it wasn't certain who would wear number 14. After all, it was D.K. Metcalf's career number, though it appears he is set on number four. Gainwell was asked what the jersey number meant to him. 'It means a lot to me. I'm excited about it, ' Gainwell said. The previous occupant of it is now in Dallas. However, to Gainwell, something like that doesn't matter. 'I know it was a previous guy number, but that don't mean nothing these days, but I'm excited to be back in 14 and continue that legacy.' He said of Pickens' old number and continuing his legacy in number 14. Gainwell, a former fifth-round pick out of Memphis, spent his first four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was also a teammate of Steelers receiver Calvin Austin III in Memphis. Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell takes handoff from quarterback Jalen Hurts in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 15, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now During his time in Philly, he served as a change-of-pace back and helped the Eagles win a Super Bowl in 2024. Gainwell has accumulated 1,906 scrimmage yards with 13 touchdowns so far in his career. Advertisement He is also expected to contribute to special teams fielding kickreturns. Gainwell could be a strong veteran presence as someone who has played on previous Super Bowl teams. Alan Saunders and Brendan Howe contributed reporting from Pittsburgh. This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers RB Kenneth Gainwell Back in 14, Brushes Off George Pickens Connection Related Headlines
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Versatility will be mantra of Steelers running back room
PITTSBURGH (Black & Gold Nation) — Replacing Najee Harris's production will likely not be the job of 'who' rather 'whom' this season as the Steelers retool their running back room. Pittsburgh comes out of OTAs with three key pieces in its backfield. Returning veterans Jaylen Warren, former fifth round pick Kenneth Gainwell, and rookie Kaleb Johnson, the latter of who turned a number of heads during the team's first workouts this week. 'I feel like it's some of the same stuff that we did in Iowa. So I feel like I'm coming in and I'm really having an advantage a little bit because it's kind of like the same stuff I did back in college.,' he said. Johnson looks the part with and without the ball in his hand. He measured in at 6-foot-1 inches and 224 pounds during the NFL Combine, and while his top-end speed isn't eye-popping, he made a habit out of making big plays last season. His 21 carries of 20-plus yards trailed only Heisman Winner Ashton Jeanty in college football. His build and skillset is a perfect merlot to steak the of the room, Jaylen Warren. Warren has been a fan favorite of sorts in Pittsburgh. A small, compact rusher, he's racked up 1,674 yards and six touchdowns in three seasons behind Harris. And he did all that at nearly 5 yards per carry. Warren runs hard, really hard, and flashes good hands. Warren's 127 catches are the 13th most since coming into the league for running backs, a stat made most impressive by his secondary role in the backfield. Former Eagles backup Kenneth Gainwell is a similar back to Warren, small and compact with great hands. While he lacks the bulk and power of Warren, he makes it up in 4.4 speed. Gainwell has spent four seasons in Philadelphia working behind Miles Sanders, D'Andre Swift and Saquon Barkley and will have his best chance to truly move up the depth chart this summer. 'Seeing Jaylen's power, seeing Jaylen's work ethic, that's the same way I take the game,' he said. 'I feel I think we can collab real good. And then bringing K.J. along with us, man I think it's going to be a great show. And hopefully ya'll are ready for it.' The Steelers let Najee Harris walk this offseason. He'd sign with the Los Angeles Chargers. Whether you love Harris or not, the former first round pick had a productive tenure in Pittsburgh. He recorded 1,000-yard seasons in each of his four years. His 4,312 yards is the fifth most among running backs since 2021. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Kaleb Johnson Must Perfect Pass Protection to Make Steelers Rookie Impact
PITTSBURGH — There's a steep learning curve in one aspect of Kaleb Johnson's professional game. The Pittsburgh Steelers tailback knows how to carry the ball. In a much smaller sample size, he's demonstrated that he's able to catch passes out of the backfield. Getting pass protection down is a facet of Johnson's game that he wants to solidify. He has a solid tutor in Jaylen Warren, who's put more than a few rushers on their backs while playing for the Steelers. Advertisement 'Warren, I've been on him every day about it,' Johnson said after Thursday's OTA practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. 'Questioning him how to do this, how to do that, and make sure I get my technique down to Point A.' Johnson worked through drills, jabbing his hands into a large weighted ball, shuffling in front of assistant coaches holding pads, and lunging at a large punching bag from his knees. He's learning there's more to the craft than simply stepping into someone. 'Adjusting to the technique of pass-blocking,' Johnson said. 'It was different when I was at Iowa. It was just you get out there and you get low and hit, but now here you've gotta (get) technique, low, and bring your hips.' Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson at OTAs on May 28, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers now The Steelers' third-round draft pick has been trying to soak up whatever he can from the veterans in the room, including free agent addition Kenneth Gainwell. Advertisement 'He definitely looks like a rookie,' Gainwell said of Kaleb Johnson with a laugh. 'I love his attitude of wanting to learn. He wants to learn from us. He actually pushes all the time, and just coming in just asking, 'What do I need to be doing on this? How am I looking on this?' Or, 'What steps (do) I need to be taking on this?' … I'm happy he's asking questions.' This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Kaleb Johnson Must Perfect Pass Protection to Make Steelers Rookie Impact Related Headlines
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Steelers Sights & Sounds: RBs Work Pass Pro, Secondary Stressed
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers took the field for OTA practice No. 3 at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Thursday, and the running backs are already getting ready for one of the highlights of training camp. Jaylen Warren was already a backs-on-backers star for the Steelers, and the team added two more potential firebrands in free agent Kenneth Gainwell and rookie Kaleb Johnson. Gainwell and Johnson were wearing out the punching bag at practice on Thursday, getting ready for their Steelers training camp debuts. Advertisement On the defensive field, new secondary coach Gerald Alexander was stressing communication by putting his charges through a litany of scenarios meant to challenge their ability to change calls at the line of scrimmage and pass players through complex attempts at overloads by the offense — a significant problem spot for the secondary in 2024. More in the sights and sounds from OTA practice No. 3: This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Sights & Sounds: RBs Work Pass Pro, Secondary Stressed Related Headlines
USA Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Steelers RB Kenneth Gainwell has hilarious response to taking George Pickens' No. 14
Steelers RB Kenneth Gainwell has hilarious response to taking George Pickens' No. 14 Ex-Steelers WR George Pickens' old jersey number is being handed out like candy — first to WR Montana Lemonious-Craig, and now to RB Kenneth Gainwell. Gainwell was last seen wearing No. 21 when he first signed with the Steelers, but the recent Pickens trade allowed the new Steelers running back to swoop in on his beloved No. 14. On Day 3 of OTAs, his comments about wearing his old number — as well as a potential dig at Pickens — were captured by ESPN's Brooke Pryor: "It means a lot to me. I'm excited about it. I know it was a previous guy's number, but that don't mean nothing these days. I'm excited to be back in 14 and continue that legacy." It truly doesn't "mean anything these days," as while the Steel City faithful could appreciate Pickens' insane one-handed, highlight-reel catches — his attitude and overall character concerns were another story. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
