Kenny Pickett is an American professional football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL.
He played college football at the University of Pittsburgh, setting multiple school records and winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
Pickett was selected 20th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft.
After starting 12 games over two seasons with the Steelers, he was traded to the Eagles in 2024, where he currently serves as a backup quarterback behind Jalen Hurts.
Siblings
Kenny has an older brother named Chris Pickett, who has been a source of inspiration and support throughout Kenny’s journey.
Like Kenny, Chris was involved in sports during high school, which helped foster a competitive spirit within the family.
Kenny also has a younger sister named Alex Pickett. She has been supportive of Kenny’s athletic ambitions as well.
Growing up in a family that values sports and teamwork, Alex has likely contributed to the close-knit dynamic of the Pickett family.
College career
Pickett’s college career at the University of Pittsburgh was marked by significant growth and achievement.
He joined the Panthers in 2017 and became the starting quarterback in his second year, showcasing his talent and leadership on the field.
During his time at Pitt, Pickett set multiple school records, including career passing yards and touchdowns.
His most notable season came in 2021, when he led the Panthers to an 11-3 record and a victory in the ACC Championship Game against Wake Forest.
Pickett’s performance that season was exceptional; he threw for over 4,300 yards, completed 67.2% of his passes, and accounted for 42 total touchdowns (including rushing).
His efforts earned him several accolades, including being named the ACC Player of the Year and a finalist for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, where he finished third in voting.
Off the field, Pickett was recognized for his academic achievements and community involvement.
He graduated with a degree in marketing and was a finalist for the Senior CLASS Award, which honors student-athletes who excel in community service, academics, character, and competition.
Also Read: Troy Polamalu Siblings: A Look at the Former NFL Star’s Family
NFL career
Pickett entered the NFL when he was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
This marked a significant milestone not only for Pickett but also for the Steelers, as he was the first quarterback taken in that draft class.
In his rookie season, Pickett faced a steep learning curve as he adjusted to the professional level.
He started 12 games during his first year, throwing for 2,404 yards with seven touchdown passes against nine interceptions.
Despite some ups and downs typical of a rookie quarterback, he demonstrated resilience and flashes of brilliance that showcased his potential.
In 2023, Pickett continued to develop under head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
He improved his statistics significantly, throwing for over 2,800 yards with 13 touchdown passes while also showcasing his mobility with several rushing touchdowns.
His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs established him as a dual-threat quarterback.
In 2024, after two seasons with the Steelers, Pickett was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.
This move provided him with an opportunity to learn behind established starter Jalen Hurts while still being part of a competitive environment.
The Eagles’ high-powered offense presents an exciting opportunity for Pickett to further develop his skills and potentially take on a more prominent role in the future.
Accolades
Pickett’s accolades highlight his exceptional performance and leadership both on and off the field.
In 2021, he won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, recognizing him as the nation’s top upperclassman quarterback, making him the first player from the University of Pittsburgh to receive this honor.
He was also named the ACC Player of the Year and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting.
Additionally, Pickett was a finalist for several prestigious awards, including the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, and Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award.
He earned first-team All-American honors from multiple organizations and was recognized for his character and community involvement through the Senior CLASS Award.
In the NFL, he received the Joe Greene Great Performance Award as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Rookie of the Year, joining a select group of quarterbacks to achieve this recognition.
