Kenneth Gainwell Emerges as Steelers’ MVP Candidate After Breakout 2025 Season

Key Points

• The Pittsburgh Steelers closed their 2025 regular season with a dramatic win over the Detroit Lions.
• Running back Kenneth Gainwell scored a pivotal touchdown before halftime, shifting momentum.
• Gainwell finished the game with 128 all-purpose yards and one score.
• Signed on a one-year deal, he has become the team’s most consistent offensive weapon.
• His contract status will be a major storyline heading into the offseason.

Steelers End Season With Chaotic Victory

The Pittsburgh Steelers capped off their 2025 NFL regular season with a chaotic but thrilling victory over the Detroit Lions. Despite inconsistent play, the team’s rushing attack proved decisive, accounting for all three touchdowns.

At the center of it all was Kenneth Gainwell, whose breakout performance has cemented his case as the Steelers’ most valuable player this season.

A Career-Defining Play

Gainwell’s highlight moment came just before halftime. With seconds remaining, quarterback Aaron Rodgers launched a deep pass into double coverage. Gainwell fought through contact, secured the contested catch while falling, then alertly got up to sprint into the end zone.

Officials ruled the play a touchdown, tying the score at 10-10. The Lions protested, believing the play was dead, but Gainwell’s awareness turned the tide. The catch was instantly hailed as one of the season’s most memorable plays.

Consistency Throughout 2025

The touchdown was not an isolated flash. Gainwell has been the Steelers’ most reliable offensive weapon all year, regularly posting 100+ yard games and multiple scores.

Originally signed to a one-year deal after four seasons as a backup in Philadelphia, Gainwell was expected to complement starter Jaylen Warren following Najee Harris’s departure. Instead, he has emerged as the team’s primary threat, leading Pittsburgh in receptions—a rarity for a running back.

Contract Questions Ahead

At just 26 years old, Gainwell’s market value has skyrocketed beyond his current $1.79 million salary. His breakout season now forces the Steelers’ front office to decide whether to make a significant investment to retain their surprise MVP.

What Happens Next?

As the Steelers prepare for the postseason, Gainwell’s role will remain central to their offensive strategy. Beyond the playoffs, his contract negotiations are expected to dominate headlines, with Pittsburgh facing pressure to secure the player who has transformed from a role player into the team’s offensive engine.