Ex-Steelers QB Kenny Pickett Detailed How He Overcame Doubts From Pittsburgh Fans

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Kenny Pickett with high hopes that he could be the heir apparent to the legendary Ben Roethlisberger. However, after being thrust into an offensive system led by Matt Canada, Pickett struggled for two seasons. During his tenure as the Pittsburgh QB, he passed for 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, though he managed to maintain a winning record of 14-10.

This offseason, the Steelers decided they needed to bring in competition at the quarterback position, hoping to ignite a fire in Pickett and push him to elevate his game. Seeing an opportunity, the Steelers signed nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum. Upset by this move, Pickett requested a trade, and the Steelers, not wanting to keep an unhappy player, accommodated his request.

Now, Pickett is set to back up quarterback Jalen Hurts for the Philadelphia Eagles. In a speech captured by Jersey Sports Zone, Pickett detailed how he faced adversity and maintained a positive mindset during challenging times. He also shared how he handled the doubts from the Pittsburgh fan base.

“The world has enough doubters you know, there are plenty of people who are doubting you," Pickett told the crowd. "That is probably the majority of the people that are out there. You know in the media, fan bases, whatever it may be. Those special people that I was talking about earlier. Coaches, and family members, if you turn your mind around and try to prove them right and what they believe in you, you are going to be in a more positive mindset.”

Pickett discussed how he shifted his mindset from worrying about the doubts of coaches and fans. Instead, he focused on those who believed in him and aimed to prove them right for their unwavering support. 

Bleeding Green Nation

Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett at a press conference for the Philadelphia Eagles.

While he never got the chance to fully showcase his potential in Pittsburgh, he hopes to do so with his new team. Pickett is eager to reunite with the Eagles and his teammates for training camp, ready to prove his worth.

“Just kind of dive head first into it. You know the playbook and the people in the building. All of my teammates and coaches from the top down. So I am excited to get back in there in a couple of weeks.”

Reports indicated that Pickett made a strong impression on the Eagles organization during the spring. Pickett himself acknowledges he had an excellent spring but emphasizes the need to continue proving himself once the pads come on.

“Yeah it was a great spring, but it is just spring. I am excited to put the pads on this summer and you know, run out of the tunnel at the Linc [Lincoln Financial Field] and get my first experience there.”

Ex-Steelers QB Kenny Pickett Excited To Be An Eagle

Pickett is thrilled for his first outing on the field at his new home, Lincoln Financial Field. While he is no longer a Steeler, Pittsburgh fans will keep an eye on him to see if the organization made a mistake. Pickett was thrown into a tough situation, making it difficult for fans to determine how much of the blame for his struggles was truly his.

LA Press Photos

Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett suffers an injury against the Arizona Cardinals.

His journey with the Steelers ended when he got injured against the Arizona Cardinals. Now, he looks forward to maintaining a positive mindset with the Eagles and doing whatever the team needs. The Steelers have improved their quarterback room, and Pickett seems content with his new start. At this moment, both sides appear to have made the right decision.