Kenny Gainwell Draws A Tony Pollard Comparison
May 12th, 2026
Joe’s ears perked up this afternoon as coaches were talking at One Buc Palace.
No, it’s not because someone said Rueben Bain wouldn’t be dropping in pass coverage. It happened when Buccaneers running backs coach Skip Peete compared newcomer free agent Bucs running back Kenny Gainwell to Tony Pollard.
Pollard has been a model of consistency through his seven NFL seasons, five with Dallas where Peete coached him, and the last two in Tennessee.
“I just think Kenny is a very exciting and intriguing player because of his ability to play on all three downs and his ability to understand route running from being a slot receiver in college,” Peete said.
“He’s very similar to a guy I coached in Dallas by the name of Tony Pollard. … Tony was a slot and became a running back. I think [Gainwell] has good feel being both in the backfield and in the slot, or as the No. 1 receiver outside wide. He can do it all.”
Joe’s not sure Gainwell could be a bellcow back like Pollard, who has at least two inches and 10 pounds on Gainwell. But Gainwell certainly proved he could handle a significant load with 114 carries and 73 catches last season in Pittsburgh, by far the most action of his five-year career.
Joe can’t wait to see Gainwell behind the Bucs’ A-list offensive line, assuming it can stay healthy.
May 12th, 2026 at 5:22 pm
Kenneth Gainwell was Tony Pollard backup at Memphis
May 12th, 2026 at 5:26 pm
Kenneth Gainwell was a 3 down RB at Memphis
1,459 rushing yards
51 receptions, 610 yards
He had over 2,000 total yards
May 12th, 2026 at 5:38 pm
Think he may be an upgrade to White…..and Rachaad was very good
May 12th, 2026 at 5:41 pm
This was a very under the radar signing of a guy that is going to have a real positive impact this year!
May 12th, 2026 at 5:52 pm
Yes, I like White and thought he was the best back on the Bucs last year. Stats validate it. I thought he got a bumb rap in that Bowles said he would play the hot hand , which was White, but he was not rewarded. I can’t blame White for leaving and thought that was a mistake by the Bucs. However, yes Gainwell may be an upgrade over White. They sure paid him like it. I hope he is an upgrade. Bucky sure seemed to have his issues last year and like the Bucs offence , he was a disappointment for sure. Who knows Gainwell may become the lead back this year. I guess we will see if Bucky’s issues carry over to this year.
May 12th, 2026 at 6:10 pm
He’s much better- significantly faster and shiftier than White and an even better pass blocker and receiver.
May 12th, 2026 at 6:18 pm
Someone finally to much bakers toughness Nice!
May 12th, 2026 at 6:20 pm
Wait give it a couple minutes and lynchmob will say it is -bowles fault that white left and that white is a better running back
May 12th, 2026 at 6:21 pm
1000 yards rushing 500 receiving 10 plus TD ,s this season hes due ,happy to have a home!
May 12th, 2026 at 6:34 pm
Great signing!
He’s one of the 25 highest paid backs in the league.
We made a great investment in him. Running backs get yards! Yards means fist downs!
First downs win ball games!
Football is a battle for 10 yards. That’s really what it comes down to.
I still believe after QB, RB is the most important position!
I’m old school.
Then of course linemen and corners.
But QBs and RBs win games! They move the chains!
We have Bucky on a 4th round deal for the next two years. À cheap deal.
So we could afford to pay Gainwell top 25 money!
Bucky plus Gainwell is cheap.
First down! Tampa Bay!
Will miss you Gene!
Go Bucs!!!
May 12th, 2026 at 6:46 pm
Well said teach!
May 12th, 2026 at 8:32 pm
Can’t wait to see him in a Buc’s uniform on game-day. This could be a season to remember — in a good way!
May 12th, 2026 at 8:45 pm
The dumb one almost had it right. Some better literary capability and different poster.
Rachaad left for the same reason Mike left. Todd sucks. Rachaad is a better football player than either of the other two still stuck on the roster. We will see how fast Bowles Regressenza infects Gainwell.
May 12th, 2026 at 9:11 pm
Shoulda put White in the slot.
May 12th, 2026 at 10:09 pm
Over Godwin??? Gainwell is better than White. Simple as that.
Im hoping Bucky is healthy this year because the O-line will finally be able to open holes for him again like 2024 (as long as they stay healthy too!).
May 12th, 2026 at 10:24 pm
Was curious- looked up Gainwell’s draft profile – the comp was Jeremy McNichols… yikes. Compared him to Snoop McPlaybook. I’d be asking the NFL to lose that article.
Note – not saying it’s a VALID comp. Obviously not. Just found it funny…
May 12th, 2026 at 10:27 pm
Rent free Ironlung (3-idiot)
May 12th, 2026 at 10:35 pm
I think just about any NFL back can make it through at least one season as a starter. Unless you’re a little fella like Skattebo who thinks he’s Mike Alstott, then you might last a few games before landing on IR.
May 13th, 2026 at 4:19 am
@stormy
Snoop McNichols is still in the NFL!
He’s still in the league!
May 13th, 2026 at 6:43 am
How are are fellow Bucs fans gonna blame Bowles when Gainwell outperforms White this year. I can’t wait to hear their twisted logic.