As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for the 2025 season, their Super Bowl aspirations hinge on an unexpected figure: third-year running back Kenneth Gainwell. With significant changes in the offensive lineup, including the departure of key players and the retirement of a veteran leader, Gainwell has emerged from a reliable role player to a pivotal component of the Eagles’ championship hopes.
Pro Football Focus recently named Gainwell as the Eagles’ representative on their annual “make-or-break” list, highlighting the immense pressure and opportunity awaiting the former Memphis standout. This designation comes at a critical time when the Eagles’ running game faces uncertainty, making Gainwell’s development not just important but vital to the team’s success.
Gainwell’s path to this defining moment began when he slipped to the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite being a highly productive college player with a versatile skill set, concerns about his size and durability allowed Philadelphia to secure exceptional value. Now, with the departure of primary running back D’Andre Swift to Chicago and the retirement of veteran lineman Jason Kelce, Gainwell is poised to take on a starring role.
In 2024, Gainwell showed flashes of his potential to be a game-changer. Pro Football Focus graded him just outside the top 20 among running backs league-wide, despite limited carries compared to his peers. His 78.4 pass-blocking grade addressed one of the primary concerns about his NFL transition—whether his smaller frame could hold up in protection schemes against blitzing linebackers. Additionally, his ability to contribute as a receiver out of the backfield added a dynamic element to the Eagles’ offense.
With significant gaps in the running back room, the Eagles have assembled a supporting cast around Gainwell that is talented but unproven. Rookie third-round pick Will Shipley is expected to share carries, while free agent additions Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Eric Gray will compete for complementary roles. This configuration places even greater emphasis on Gainwell’s ability to deliver consistent, impactful production.
The pressure is amplified by the fact that, while the Eagles boast elite talent in other areas—particularly with quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver A.J. Brown—the running game has become a potential vulnerability. Hurts’ dual-threat ability and Brown’s dominance can only go so far if the ground attack fails to keep defenses honest, allowing opponents to focus on shutting down the passing game.
The stakes are monumental for both Gainwell and the franchise. The Eagles have built a reputation as one of the NFL’s premier drafting teams, and Gainwell’s emergence as a lead back will test that legacy. His ability to produce consistent yardage, whether through explosive runs, receiving contributions, or clutch performances in critical moments, will play a significant role in determining whether Philadelphia can sustain its offensive firepower.
Transitioning from a complementary player to a featured starter is often the most daunting leap for young NFL players. Gainwell will face increased scrutiny from defensive coordinators, who will scheme to neutralize his versatility, and the mental challenge of knowing his team’s success partly rests on his shoulders. Opposing defenses will prepare specifically for him, stacking the box or assigning linebackers to shadow him in the passing game.
The Eagles’ second Super Bowl dream is within reach, but it will require Gainwell to rise to the occasion. If he can seize this opportunity and establish himself as a reliable, dynamic force in the backfield, Philadelphia’s offense could remain one of the league’s most formidable units. For a franchise with sky-high expectations, a third-year running back quietly holds the key to unlocking their championship potential.