Kenneth Shane Pickett
As Pittsburgh Steelers fans have certainly heard by now, Kenny Pickett was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for two seventh-round picks and a pick swap. The Steelers, as presently constructed, are heading into draft season with a quarterback room that includes Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. As excited as I am about the QB situation going forward, I am sad about how Kenny Pickett’s journey in Pittsburgh came to an end. So, that’s what I’m talking about today. For the Kenny Pickett haters, just go ahead and click away from this and know that as soon as I finish this soliloquy, I’ll be right back celebrating with the franchise that I love. With that being said:
Photo by tigernet.com
To Mr. Kenneth Shane Pickett:
Your time with the Pittsburgh Steelers was more brief than just about anybody thought it would be; certainly more brief than I thought. However, I became a true fan of yours upon them selecting you in the 2020 NFL Draft - and I even donned the title of apologist when being a supporter of yours became controversial.
When we drafted you, I’ll be honest, I was fuckin furious. I really wanted us to take Malik Willis at that 20 spot, and that opinion in and of itself is exactly why I’ll never have a job as an NFL GM, no matter how much ball I feel like I know. But, I’m a fan of the Steelers’ logo before any single player, so I decided to watch some film and give you my full support.
I’ve never been much of a college football guy. I’ll watch the college football playoffs and keep my eyes on potential prospects for the Steelers, but that’s where I’ve historically drawn the line. However, watching your college games, in an effort to sell myself on the pick, made me a fan of Pitt football. And not only that, but it made me a huge fan of yours. Your ability to make throws on the run, and throw at all levels, and most impressively, your improvement from 2020 to 2021 was really something to behold.
I’ll never be able to shake this feeling that you were absolutely FAILED by the front office of the Pittsburgh Steelers. They took you in to fill some absolutely MASSIVE shoes and gave you a garbage system and a garbage offensive line and said: “There ya go, kid! Make magic happen.” So many fans are under the impression that you’re just not good for that reason. Unfortunately, I’m a Steeler fan first, so I’m not gonna argue with them. What I will say is, when you start playing good football, whether that be in Philly or somewhere else, I will not be the least bit surprised.
I’ll always remember how hyped I was when you hung in there and made that throw in your NFL debut against the Jets while taking a big hit, and you got up smirkin’ and chirpin’. Or when you took a low hit against the Bills and got in the face of a defensive lineman. Or the game-winning touchdown pass to Najee in Baltimore - I took multiple laps around my apartment just SCREAMING after that throw. Probably pissed off a few neighbors. That was just one of several amazing fourth quarter performances by you. Everything I just highlighted is exactly why I know for a fact you have a long and successful career in front of you if you just block out the noise and keep working. It’s not every day that a quarterback with those qualities comes along. I’m rooting so hard for Justin Fields and/or Russell Wilson to find success with us, but even then, I do think Pittsburgh will come to regret the decision to not work things out with you.
Ultimately, I’m just writing this to say that regardless of how other Pittsburgh jagoffs may be talking about you right now, I’m a fan for life, albeit from afar. And as long as the outcome of your games doesn’t affect the Pittsburgh Steelers, I’ll be rooting hard for you, silently. I hope the support you get from the fans in Philly is better than what you got from the fans in Pittsburgh, although those mofos are WILD from what I’ve heard. Good luck young man! Thanks for the memories, and thanks for giving me a college team to actually root for! Love you, buddy! Go Panthers!
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