Former Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett certainly didn’t have the most successful professional career in Pittsburgh, but his time at Pitt brought the program to heights unseen in 40 years.
So, it was definitely a surprise to hear a portion of Pitt fans (no matter how small) booing Pickett at the home opener Saturday afternoon.
When the Panthers highlighted former Pitt Panthers in the NFL on the jumbotron, boos rang out as Pickett’s preseason Philadelphia Eagles highlights were shown. It drew the ire of Pitt fans who fondly remember Pickett’s heroics in Pittsburgh — and the person he was at Pitt.
With 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns, to just seven interceptions, on 334-of-497 passing attempts (67%) as a senior at Pitt, Pickett was one of the very best quarterbacks in college football in 2021 — and he added 241 yards and five more touchdowns on the ground.
He finished his Pitt career as the all-time leader in passing yards, completions, total offense, touchdowns responsible for and passing touchdowns. He’s thrown the most 300-yard passing games (16) and 400-yard passing games (five) and his 32 wins are the most as a Pitt starter.
Pickett completed 1,045-of-1,674 career passing attempts (just over 62%) for 12,303 yards and 81 touchdowns, to just 32 interceptions, in 52 career appearances (49 starts). He also added 809 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns.
He led Pitt to its first ACC title in 2021, earning All-ACC, All-American and Heisman Trophy finalist honors. He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing.
Pickett threw for 4,474 yards (62.6% completion) with 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in his 25 games as a Steeler, and while he wasn’t put in the best situation to succeed in the NFL, his lack of production was problematic. The Steelers brought signed Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson in March, and it spelled the end for Pickett and the Steelers.
The Steelers traded Pickett to the Eagles on March 16, after spending two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. And it’s likely that tumultuous exit that prompted boos Saturday.
But even through a disappointing tenure with the Steelers, Pickett reflected positively on his time in Pittsburgh.
“(I) gave everything I had there and loved all of my teammates and coaches that I came across — some absolutely great memories that I’ll take forever and lifelong friendships,” Pickett said following the trade. “And just talking to guys after it all went down, grateful that we had the time we had together.”
Kenny Pickett is happy to be in Philadelphia, after having grown up in the area (albeit New York Giants territory in Ocean Township, N.J.), and he won the QB2 job behind Eagles incumbent starter Jalen Hurts over the offseason.
I was there and didn’t hear that I heard cheers!
Was at the game too, north end zone above the “Panther Pit”. I was unaware of any booing either and can verify that only enthusiastic cheers were coming from the student section.
I was also there. I heard both the cheers and the boos.
From where I was sitting I could hear cheers start, then quickly turn to boos.
Pitt fans that boo Pickett are pathetic losers.
I was at the game and never left my seat other than halftime. I didn’t hear any booing at all. This entire thing is a complete non event. Dokich and filaponi -two dolts
I was disappointed with how his Steeler career went and the how he left the team, but I’ll be wishing him the best. As Pitt’s QB he showed a will to win, total heart, and great leadership. I hope his NFL career goes upward, but no matter, I’ll always appreciate what he gave Pitt fans during his time here.
Any Pitt fans who would boo Kenny Pickett are jagoffs.
They should be ashamed.
Could have been the only PITT QB to win 12 games but he quit the team!
Greatest Pitt QB since Dan Morino. Still remember his first start when gave up his body diving into the end zone on the way to defeating the number two ‘Canes. Heisman finalist, led Pitt to an ACC championship. Think I’ll let him slide (or should I say “fake” slide) for not participating in an exhibition game.
Kenny Pickett was, and always will be, a Pitt Legend.
I saw a j@goff in front of me give him the finger but didn’t hear that many boos but did hear few.
Steelers fans have always been trash. Glad he’s with the better team and franchise in the state.
Pittsburghers hate Philly, maybe they’re booing Philadelphia.
1 Superbowl. Constant failure. Better franchise? Give me a break.
Super Bowl victories:
Steelers = 6
Beagles = 1
Just say’n.
He’s a Pitt legend. At the same time, he had one great year in his 5th year. And he seemed to let that one great year cause him to become a little entitled. But I’ll always respect a QB who loves to get hit and get in a linebackers face. Loved the way he played the game. Not a fan of how he’s sometimes carried himself since.
Really simple, if you booed you are a jerk
There was booing. I was in 509 and it was loud and clear. No class at all. I guess people can’t differentiate a Pitt career and a Steeler career. There is no 2021 ACC championship without Pickett. That was a special season that was the most enjoyable in the last 40 years. The hard core Steeler fan base is a brainwashed cult that needs a reality check. They are the obese, beer guzzling cowards that booed Terry Bradshaw, ran Cliff Stoudt out of Pittsburgh, did the same to Neil O’Donnell and started bogus rumors about Kordell Stewart’s sexuality. So if… Read more »