Kenneth Gainwell makes potential catch of the year on absurd touchdown in Steelers-Lions game

The Pittsburgh Steelers took on the Detroit Lions in Week 16, and Aaron Rodgers and company struggled to move the ball for most of the first half. 

Pittsburgh looked like it was going to go into halftime down 10-3 to Detroit. The Steelers were out of Chris Boswell's field goal range, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw to running back Kenneth Gainwell in double coverage hoping for the best. 

The good news is that Gainwell was wrestled to the ground and drew a defensive pass interference penalty flag, which would have moved the Steelers into the redzone. 

The great news is that the running back made one of the best catches of the year and ran into the endzone to help the Steelers tie the game. 

Here is more on Gainwell's touchdown reception that you have to see to believe.

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Kenneth Gainwell touchdown catch

Pittsburgh had the ball with 17 seconds left in the first half. Despite how good kicker Chris Boswell is, the Steelers were just outside of his range. 

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw a prayer to Gainwell down the sideline. The Lions defenders were all over him, and a defensive pass interference penalty was surely coming. As Gainwell went to the ground, he dove for the ball which landed on his arm and he corraled it in for a reception. The Detroit defenders weren't near him, didn't touch him and he ran the ball in for the score. 

Kenneth Gainwell really living up to his last name

PITvsDET on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/e32JEwNLzo

— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2025

The play was reviewed, and the camera angle perfectly showed that the ball from Rodgers landed right on Gainwell's outstretched arms and avoided contact with the ground. It also showed that neither Lions defender touched him after the running back caught the ball and the touchdown was confirmed.  

MORE: Updated AFC, NFC playoff pictures in Week 16

Kenneth Gainwell stats

Week 16 vs. Lions

• 3 carries
• 13 rushing yards
• 3 receptions
• 52 yards
• 1 receiving touchdown

2025

• 14 games
• 93 carries
• 451 rushing yards
• 4 rushing TDs
• 57 receptions
• 65 targets
• 332 yards
• 2 TDs