Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers raved about running back Kenneth Gainwell after his standout performance in the Steelers’ 28-15 win over the Miami Dolphins on Monday night.
Gainwell, who’s provided a spark for the Steelers all year, rushed for 80 yards on 13 carries (6.2 average) and had seven receptions for 46 yards (6.6 average) in Monday night’s win over Miami.
“I mean, yeah, it’s really every game,” Rodgers said of Gainwell. “I think the run that he had, 38 yards on a simple inside zone weak, just his vision. Just fun to watch. I can’t tell you exactly what I call him every week because there’s some expletives in there, but I love playing with him. I really do. He’s as smart as they come. He’s super smart, and I still cannot believe what we got him for.
“I told him a long time ago that my goal was to get him paid because I’ve been a fan of his since he was in Philly and I thought every time he went in the game something good happens. So just to be able to play with him, the type of guy he is, man, I can’t say enough good things about Kenny. Every single game it seems like he comes up with impactful plays and makes guys miss, catches the ball.
“I was telling – who was I telling? I think Marquez [Marquez Valdes Scantling] on the sideline. One of the most impressive things is to watch us on Friday’s practice just do pat-and-go drill, which is just an over-the-shoulder drill. He’s as fluid as anybody on the team catching the football. For a guy that’s making damn near vet minimum, he’s been a tremendous asset to our team this year.”
After four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Gainwell signed a one-year, $1.79 million contract with the Steelers this past March. Gainwell has certainly turned heads this season, recording 451 yards on 93 carries (4.8 average) and four touchdowns. He also has caught 65 passes for 332 yards (5.8 average) and two touchdowns.
With those kind of numbers, he should be rewarded with a nice pay raise this offseason. It also helps that a four-time NFL MVP gave him a ringing endorsement.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Aaron Rodgers Wants Kenneth Gainwell to Get Paid: ‘I Still Cannot Believe What We Got Him For’
