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By Michael Gallagher
Sports Content Coordinator
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost second-leading rusher Rachaad White to the Washington Commanders in free agency, leaving a sizeable hole on their roster that needed to be filled.
Fortunately for them, they found a suitable successor to help spell starter Bucky Irving in former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell.
The 26-year-old tailback had a career year last season, rushing for 537 yards and five touchdowns while contributing 73 receptions, 486 yards, and three touchdowns — all career-best marks.
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Gainwell’s breakout season earned him a two-year, $14 million contract with the Bucs, where he will split carries with Irving and third-stringer Sean Tucker.
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But the Bucs’ running back depth chart isn’t the only thing that’s changed. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport announced on Friday that Gainwell is also changing his name after signing his new deal.
“Related: Kenneth Gainwell is now Kenny Gainwell,” Rapoport stated.
The Bucs are Gainwell’s third team in six years. He spent the first four seasons of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, totaling 1,185 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns while adding 102 catches, 721 yards and another score. He also won a Super Bowl.
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Aside from the lucrative payday, Gainwell admitted during an appearance on NFL Network’s “The Insiders” that playing behind a player like Irving was a big selling point for Tampa Bay.
“I’m just excited to play with him,” Gainwell said. “I know his attitude towards the game and how he plays football, that’s my mindset, too. I go into this thing full-steam ahead and just try to play football as hard as I can. I love his attitude towards the game … I want to play the same way.”
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