The excitement of the Eagles signing Saquon Barkley and the new draft picks, including Will Shipley, has caused Kenny Gainwell to get somewhat lost in the shuffle. And maybe the offense.
But, this is a contract year for him and he has set high goals. While some may have written him off, KG is ready for the challenge.
Overcoming obstacles and life’s hardships is nothing new for the Gainwell family. Knowing Kenny Gainwell’s past gives you insight into his determination and optimism for the future.
If you thought he would sit back and watch his opportunity slip away, you do not know Kenny Gainwell.
Family First
When Kenny was 13 his older brother, Curtis, was attempting to become a Southern Miss walk-on for the football team when he suffered a life-altering stroke while weightlifting. Curtis Gainwell recalled the event in an interview with ESPN.
“I had a headache, I didn’t feel good that day. I knew there was something wrong. I didn’t know it was gonna be a stroke. If I didn’t get to the hospital in time, I could’ve been gone.”
He was given three life-saving surgeries in one day to stop the brain bleed and has since undergone four brain surgeries. Curtis then endured the daunting task of learning to walk and talk again. Kenneth, who always looked up to his big brother, was motivated and given strength by Curtis’ resolve. Kenneth takes that motivation to the field every time he plays.
High School
Kenneth grew up in Yazoo City, Mississippi and went to Yazoo City High School, the same High School as his cousin, former Philadelphia Eagle Defensive Tackle Fletcher Cox. He was a three-year starter at QB for the Panthers. He threw for 3,682 yards with 32 passing touchdowns. Gainwell added another 4,730 yards rushing and 75 rushing touchdowns.
He even returned a kickoff to add another touchdown to his impressive touchdown total of 108. Kenny was named Class 3A Mr. Football in his Senior year of High School as he led the Panthers to their first-ever Class 3A state title championship game appearance while compiling an impressive 14–1 record. His strong performances in H.S. led him to Memphis, to play for the Tigers.
College career
Kenneth barely played his first year in Memphis but exploded onto the scene in 2019 with 1459 rushing yards, 610 receiving yards, and 16 total TDs. He totaled 2069 yards from scrimmage and was rising on NFL draft boards. Everything was going great. Then a global pandemic changed the world and possibly his future.
Kenny chose to opt out of the 2020 Collegiate season while playing for Memphis just six days before the season opener, he did it for his family.
The Gainwells had already lost four members of their family to the coronavirus and Kenneth did not want to take any risks.
“You know my family passing away, so it was a tough, tough decision. I love football. So it was really a tough decision to do. So I just had to do what was best for the fam.”
Gainwell was leaving college, but not football. He had set his eyes on the NFL draft.
In November 2020 Kenneth left his family and hometown behind to train and prepare for the NFL alone in Orlando, Florida.
He knew he had one good season on tape (2019) and that if he worked hard, he would get a chance at being drafted into the NFL.
Eagles tenure
Gainwell was selected by the Eagles in the 5th round with the 150th overall pick. By most draft experts estimations this was a late-round steal. The dual-threat RB was projected to go as high as the second and was easily in almost every mock as a third. Kenneth was grateful that his dream to reach the NFL had become a reality with the Eagles selecting him.
“My heart stopped beating for a little bit you know”
He stated he spent his childhood studying the footwork of LeSean Shady McCoy and Darren Sproles, amongst others. He was ready to add his name to the Eagles family of running backs.
Philadelphia was just as excited about drafting Kenneth as he was about being selected by them. He immediately impressed in the Eagles’ training camp by not only showing everyone in person what was already on tape (the receiving and rushing threat) but, at a reported 5-foot-9 200 pounds, he was standing up tall in blocks.
“I’m a rare breed. I’m a different one.”
His ability as a receiver might have been what attracted the Eagles to Gainwell. But his willingness to block is what has earned him consistent playing time.
Gainwell has increased his workload year over year, and this will be the 3rd year in a row he has been the primary backup for a new lead back with the Eagles. Miles Sander, D’Andre Swift, and now Saquon Barkley. It will be exciting to see how coaches utilize his skills playing time.
Kenny has been very impressive at camp. He is 2nd in touches amongst the RBs, which is likely where he is in the hierarchy of the position.
If there was ever a season for the Eagles to take off the training wheels and let him run free, this is it. This is his final season under contract with Philadelphia. A huge opportunity for Kenny that could benefit him and the Birds!
As always, Thank you for reading!
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Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
