The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, with six Super Bowl wins and a passionate fan base. A key part of the Steelers' success has been their stability at the quarterback position, with only a handful of players starting under center for the team over the past few decades. In recent years, the Steelers have had a revolving door at quarterback, with several different players starting games. However, the team appears to have found their long-term solution in Kenny Pickett.
Pickett was drafted by the Steelers in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He is a former Heisman Trophy finalist for the University of Pittsburgh. Pickett was named the Steelers' starting quarterback in 2023 after sitting behind veteran Mitchell Trubisky for the first half of the 2023 season.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Kenny Pickett and his journey to becoming the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Who is the Steelers Quarterback?
The Pittsburgh Steelers' current starting quarterback is Kenny Pickett.
- Drafted in 2022
- Former Heisman Trophy finalist
- Named starter in 2023
- First-round draft pick
- Local product
Pickett is a young and talented quarterback with a bright future. He is expected to be the Steelers' franchise quarterback for many years to come.
Drafted in 2022
Kenny Pickett was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, with the 20th overall pick. He was the first quarterback taken in the draft, and the Steelers traded up to select him.
Pickett was a highly-touted prospect coming out of the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2021. He is known for his strong arm, accuracy, and mobility. Pickett is also a smart and cerebral player who is quick to learn and adapt.
The Steelers were in need of a long-term solution at quarterback after Ben Roethlisberger retired following the 2021 season. They had signed veteran Mitchell Trubisky in free agency, but they viewed Pickett as the quarterback of the future.
Pickett started the 2022 season as the Steelers' backup quarterback, but he was thrust into the starting role in Week 4 after Trubisky struggled. Pickett showed flashes of his potential in his first few starts, but he also made some rookie mistakes.
Despite the ups and downs, the Steelers stuck with Pickett as their starter. He showed improvement as the season went on, and he led the team to a 9-8 record, which was good for a wild card berth in the playoffs. Pickett became the first rookie quarterback in Steelers history to lead the team to the playoffs.
Former Heisman Trophy finalist
Kenny Pickett was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2021, his junior season at the University of Pittsburgh. He finished third in the voting, behind Bryce Young and Aidan Hutchinson.
Pickett had a phenomenal season in 2021, leading the Panthers to an ACC Championship and a berth in the Peach Bowl. He threw for 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns, with only seven interceptions. He also rushed for 241 yards and five touchdowns.
Pickett's performance in 2021 was all the more impressive considering that he was playing behind a makeshift offensive line and without his top two receivers from the previous season.
Pickett's Heisman Trophy candidacy was a testament to his talent and his ability to elevate the play of those around him. He is a natural leader and a winner, and he has all the tools to be a successful NFL quarterback.
The Steelers were clearly impressed with Pickett's performance in 2021. They traded up to select him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and they believe that he can be their franchise quarterback for many years to come.
Named starter in 2023
Kenny Pickett was named the Steelers' starting quarterback in 2023 after sitting behind veteran Mitchell Trubisky for the first half of the 2022 season.
Pickett showed flashes of his potential in his first few starts in 2022, but he also made some rookie mistakes. However, the Steelers coaching staff believed that he was ready to take the next step and become the full-time starter in 2023.
Pickett has all the tools to be a successful NFL quarterback. He has a strong arm, good accuracy, and the ability to make plays with his legs. He is also a smart and cerebral player who is quick to learn and adapt.
The Steelers are hoping that Pickett can be their franchise quarterback for many years to come. He is the first quarterback to be drafted in the first round by the Steelers since Ben Roethlisberger in 2004.
Pickett has a lot of potential, but he also has a lot to prove. He will need to show that he can be consistent and that he can win games in the NFL. If he can do that, he has the chance to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
First-round draft pick
Kenny Pickett was the first quarterback taken in the 2022 NFL Draft, and the Steelers traded up to select him with the 20th overall pick.
The Steelers were clearly impressed with Pickett's talent and potential. They believe that he has all the tools to be a successful NFL quarterback.
Pickett is a smart and cerebral player with a strong arm and good accuracy. He is also a good athlete who can make plays with his legs.
Pickett was a highly-touted prospect coming out of the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2021. He led the Panthers to an ACC Championship and a berth in the Peach Bowl that season.
The Steelers are hoping that Pickett can be their franchise quarterback for many years to come. He is the first quarterback to be drafted in the first round by the Steelers since Ben Roethlisberger in 2004.
Local product
Kenny Pickett is a local product, having grown up in the Pittsburgh area and played his college football at the University of Pittsburgh.
- Born and raised in Pittsburgh
Pickett was born and raised in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh. He attended Fox Chapel Area High School, where he was a star quarterback.
- Played college football at Pitt
Pickett stayed close to home for college, playing for the University of Pittsburgh from 2017 to 2021. He was a four-year starter for the Panthers and led them to an ACC Championship and a berth in the Peach Bowl in 2021.
- Local fan favorite
Pickett is a local fan favorite in Pittsburgh. He is known for his strong work ethic, his dedication to the game, and his love for the city of Pittsburgh.
- Excited to play for his hometown team
Pickett is excited to play for his hometown team. He has said that it is a dream come true to play for the Steelers.
The Steelers are also excited to have Pickett on their team. They believe that he is a talented quarterback with a bright future. They are hoping that he can be their franchise quarterback for many years to come.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Kenny Pickett, the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback:
Question 1: Where was Kenny Pickett born?
Answer 1: Kenny Pickett was born in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh.
Question 2: Where did Kenny Pickett go to college?
Answer 2: Kenny Pickett played college football at the University of Pittsburgh from 2017 to 2021.
Question 3: When was Kenny Pickett drafted by the Steelers?
Answer 3: Kenny Pickett was drafted by the Steelers in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, with the 20th overall pick.
Question 4: Why did the Steelers draft Kenny Pickett?
Answer 4: The Steelers drafted Kenny Pickett because they believe that he has the potential to be a franchise quarterback. They were impressed with his arm strength, accuracy, athleticism, and leadership skills.
Question 5: When did Kenny Pickett become the Steelers' starting quarterback?
Answer 5: Kenny Pickett became the Steelers' starting quarterback in 2023, after sitting behind veteran Mitchell Trubisky for the first half of the 2022 season.
Question 6: What are Kenny Pickett's strengths and weaknesses?
Answer 6: Kenny Pickett's strengths include his arm strength, accuracy, athleticism, and leadership skills. His weaknesses include his experience and his decision-making.
Question 7: What is the outlook for Kenny Pickett's future?
Answer 7: The outlook for Kenny Pickett's future is bright. He has all the tools to be a successful NFL quarterback. If he can continue to develop and improve, he has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Kenny Pickett. He is a talented young quarterback with a bright future. The Steelers are hoping that he can be their franchise quarterback for many years to come.
In addition to the FAQ, here are some bonus tips for learning more about Kenny Pickett:
Tips
Here are four tips for learning more about Kenny Pickett, the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback:
Tip 1: Watch him play.
The best way to learn about a quarterback is to watch him play. You can watch Kenny Pickett's games on TV or online. Pay attention to his arm strength, accuracy, athleticism, and decision-making.
Tip 2: Read about him.
There are many articles and interviews available online about Kenny Pickett. You can read these to learn more about his background, his playing style, and his goals for the future.
Tip 3: Follow him on social media.
Kenny Pickett is active on social media, including Twitter and Instagram. You can follow him to get updates on his career and to see what he's up to off the field.
Tip 4: Go to a Steelers game.
If you have the opportunity, go to a Steelers game and see Kenny Pickett play in person. This is the best way to get a feel for his skills and his presence on the field.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
These are just a few tips for learning more about Kenny Pickett. He is a talented young quarterback with a bright future. The Steelers are hoping that he can be their franchise quarterback for many years to come.
Now that you know more about Kenny Pickett, you can follow his career and cheer him on as he leads the Steelers to victory.
Conclusion
Kenny Pickett is a talented young quarterback with a bright future. He has all the tools to be a successful NFL quarterback, including a strong arm, good accuracy, athleticism, and leadership skills.
Pickett was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he became the team's starting quarterback in 2023. He has shown flashes of his potential in his first few starts, but he also has a lot to learn and improve on.
The Steelers are hoping that Pickett can be their franchise quarterback for many years to come. He is the first quarterback to be drafted in the first round by the Steelers since Ben Roethlisberger in 2004.
Only time will tell if Pickett can live up to the expectations, but he has all the tools to be a successful NFL quarterback. He is a hard worker and he is dedicated to the game. He is also a local product, which makes him even more popular with Steelers fans.
Closing Message:
Kenny Pickett is an exciting young quarterback to watch. He has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Steelers fans should be excited about his future.