Kenny Pickett’s departure from the Steelers even ruined his recent homecoming to Pitt

The University of Pittsburgh kicked off its 2024 college football season with a 55-24 victory over the Kent State Golden Flashes in front of its home crowd. Among the spectators at Acrisure Stadium (also known as Heinz Field) to witness the loss was Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett.

Before joining the Eagles, Pickett played two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and had a five-year college career with the Panthers, but his experiences with each of the City of Champions’ representative football teams couldn’t have been more different.

Pickett was arguably the best playmaker in Pitt history. Unfortunately, his time with the Steelers ruined his reputation, as evidenced by the unfriendly reception he received at the Panthers’ game against Kent State.

When Pickett was shown on the big screen, he was showered with boos. Apparently, his time with the Steelers is still remembered by everyone in Burgh.

Although he finished as the team’s winningest quarterback (32 wins) and led them in passing yards (12,303) and touchdown passes (81), Pickett’s shine has faded in Pittsburgh. His time with the Steelers was so rough that Panthers fans disliked him.

Even after being named ACC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year with Pitt in 2021, Pickett’s struggles with the Steelers overshadowed his successes. That same season, he led the Panthers to a conference title and a Peach Bowl appearance. Still, when fans saw his face against Kent State, all they could think of was his disappointing performances with the city’s NFL team.

Life really does move fast, especially in sports. Pickett was once the main reason fans cheered for Pitt, but today he is the subject of derision. Unfortunately, his unsatisfactory departure from the Steelers has tarnished his public perception.

In 25 games with the Steelers, Pickett completed 62.6 percent of his passes for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Although he was 14-10 as a starter, the team’s offense struggled with him at quarterback, unable to sustain drives or score points. His positive win-loss record can be credited to head coach Mike Tomlin and their defensive unit.

Oh, how quickly they have forgotten and how the powerful have fallen.