KG #1

Kenny Gainwell

Running Back · Memphis

A versatile change-of-pace back who broke out with career-high numbers on the ground and through the air in 2025.

Kenny Gainwell built his reputation as a do-everything satellite back during four productive seasons in Philadelphia, and he carried that versatility into Tampa Bay. A record-setting freshman at Memphis, he has spent his NFL career proving he can contribute as a runner, receiver and returner.

★ 2019 FWAA Freshman Player of the Year at Memphis

★ Buccaneers Team MVP (2025)

★ Career-high 537 rushing yards and 486 receiving yards in 2025

Path to the league

Gainwell was an All-America running back at Memphis, where in 2019 he led all FBS freshmen with 2,069 all-purpose yards, 1,459 rushing and 610 receiving, becoming the only FBS player that season to top 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards. He won the Football Writers Association of America's Freshman Player of the Year award, the first Memphis player to earn the honor. The Philadelphia Eagles drafted him in the fifth round, 150th overall, in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Career highlights

Over four seasons with the Eagles, Gainwell rushed for nearly 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns across 66 games, serving as both a kick returner and the primary backup to Saquon Barkley in 2024 while also handling third-down duties.

2025 season recap

Gainwell had a career year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2025, rushing 114 times for 537 yards and 5 touchdowns while adding 486 receiving yards, career highs in both categories. His all-around production earned him Team MVP honors for the season.