Ex-Steelers QB Kenny Pickett Reflects On Former Team With Eagles: ‘Life Goes On’

PHILADELPHIA — Kenny Pickett admitted it was “a little weird” to look across the field at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday and see the Pittsburgh Steelers on the other side.

Pickett, the Steelers’ 2022 first-round pick, is now the backup quarterback with the Philadelphia Eagles. Pickett spent two seasons as Pittsburgh’s primary starter after playing at Pitt. His time with the Steelers ended in March when he was traded to Philadelphia.

But on Sunday, Pickett was reunited with former teammates when the Eagles hosted the Steelers. And after Philadelphia’s 27-13 victory, he spoke exclusively with PennLive.

“It was definitely a little weird,” Pickett said when asked about facing the Steelers. “But life goes on. I enjoy it here. Have a bunch of family close by, so it’s been good.”

Pickett said he chatted with several former teammates during pregame warmups. Among them were tight end Pat Freiermuth, wide receiver Calvin Austin, kicker Chris Boswell and long snapper Christian Kuntz. He spoke with senior offensive assistant Mike Sullivan, who he called “a special guy.” Journalists also saw Pickett talk to Mike Tomlin pregame.

“It was amazing,” Pickett said. “Obviously, they have a great team. We have a pretty good team, too. So it was a good game. I’m sure both teams will play in the postseason.”

They will be. The Eagles clinched a postseason berth last weekend against the Carolina Panthers. The Steelers, despite losing, clinched a playoff spot Sunday thanks to the Indianapolis Colts losing to the Denver Broncos.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh can clinch the NFC East and AFC North titles next week with wins over the Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens, respectively.

PIckett hasn’t seen much of the field this season, attempting three passes in relief of Eagles starter Jalen Hurts. That was expected when Pickett traded from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia. The Eagles needed a backup and Pickett needed a fresh start.

Pickett, a New Jersey native, became a Pitt football legend in 2021. Pickett led the Panthers to an ACC championship and was named a Heisman Trophy finalist. He was selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft by the Steelers, keeping him on the North Shore.

Pickett’s record as the Steelers’ starter in 2022 and 2023 was a combined 14-10. He completed 62.4% of his passes for 4,479 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

On March 10th, news broke that the Steelers were signing Russell Wilson. A week later they traded for Justin Fields. In between these acquisitions was Pickett’s move to Philly.

“Right now, I’m doing whatever I can to help Jalen and everybody else on the team,” Pickett said. “Bringing a good mindset, good energy every week. We keep getting better. I don’t think we’ve played our best game yet, which is a good sign come the postseason. So we’ll strive for that as the weeks progress.”