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Steelers Star Leaves Victory Celebration in Ireland, Flies Home on Rooney’s Private Jet to See Ailing Grandfather

Jaylen Warren vs. Kenneth Gainwell fantasy Week 4: Which Steelers RB is the  better start vs. Vikings? - Yahoo Sports

Dublin, Ireland – September 29, 2025 The Pittsburgh Steelers earned a dramatic 24-21 win over the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park, improving to 3-1. But for one star, the night’s joy quickly shifted into a deeply personal and emotional struggle. 

Running back Kenneth Gainwell rushed for two touchdowns, powering Pittsburgh’s offense with a physical performance. His short-yardage scores came in the first and third quarters, providing 12 crucial points and 126 total yards on the ground. The victory celebration in Dublin was short-lived for Gainwell. After the game, he learned his grandfather had been rushed to the hospital with a heart attack just before kickoff. The family had kept the news from him. 

Gainwell admitted the revelation hit hard. “I didn’t know my grandfather was rushed to the hospital with a heart attack before the game. I scored two touchdowns and celebrated with joy, but now it feels so different,” he said. “Those scores are for him, and I just pray he survives this fight,” Gainwell added, his voice filled with emotion. His words struck a chord across the locker room and beyond, resonating with Steelers fans worldwide. 

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, team owner Art Rooney II arranged for Gainwell to board a private plane back to the United States immediately after the game to be with his family. While teammates continued celebrating the franchise’s first-ever regular season win on Irish soil, Gainwell quietly departed Croke Park. His absence from postgame festivities underscored the human side of professional football. 

For Pittsburgh, the win solidified their place atop the AFC North. For Gainwell, it became a reminder that football and family intertwine, and sometimes the biggest battles take place far beyond the field.

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Steelers Work Out Saints Superstar 5× Pro Bowler & 2× All-Pro — Pending Medical Evaluation
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – As the New Orleans Saints sink deeper with an 0-4 record through the first four weeks of the 2025 season, trade rumors surrounding star running back Alvin Kamara are heating up more than ever. The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly showing “special” interest in the 30-year-old, with reports indicating they are preparing a major offer that includes arranging a medical evaluation to assess Kamara’s health before moving forward with a deal. This could be a huge boost for a Steelers offense lacking depth at running back due to injuries and Jaylen Warren’s inconsistent performance. The Saints are facing a full-blown crisis, from a porous defense to financial woes with a projected $21.8 million cap deficit in 2026. Kamara, still a central piece of their offense with his elite rushing and receiving skills, could be placed on the trade block in exchange for draft capital—likely a late-round pick or a pick swap. Analysts from FanSided and Steelers Wire highlight Pittsburgh as the “ideal destination” for Kamara, as he could immediately strengthen the Steelers’ backfield and help them contend for the AFC North crown while the Ravens and Bengals battle injuries. Kamara, who signed a contract extension with the Saints in 2024, has never reached 1,000 rushing yards in a single season, but his versatility (hundreds of receiving yards annually) makes him an attractive target for playoff contenders. Under GM Omar Khan, the Steelers have become known for bold moves, and adding Kamara could be a strategic step to support QB Aaron Rodgers and capitalize on weakened divisional rivals. The Steelers’ “special” interest is underscored by their plans to conduct a thorough medical evaluation of Kamara—a standard step in blockbuster trades given his history of injuries, including groin and ankle issues from past seasons. If cleared, Kamara could quickly step in as the Steelers’ lead back and pair with Warren to form a powerful one-two punch. Sources from SI.com and Steelers Wire suggest the deal may only cost a late-round pick, making it very feasible before the trade deadline. However, Kamara has previously expressed his desire to remain with the Saints and even holds a no-trade clause. Still, the team’s disastrous situation could force a change. Other teams such as the Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos have been mentioned, but the Steelers stand out due to their urgent need and track record of pursuing AFC stars. If the deal goes through, the Steelers could strengthen their Super Bowl push with a bolstered offense, while the Saints would gain draft capital to aid their rebuild. Fans on X (Twitter) are buzzing with “blockbuster” trade proposals involving other names like WR Chris Olave, but Kamara remains the most talked-about piece. All eyes are now on the medical evaluation—whether it seals the deal or not, this could become one of the hottest trades of the 2025 season.