Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kenny Pickett

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Kenny Pickett made an impact.

Kenny Pickett is an American football quarterback currently playing for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. He achieved collegiate success at the University of Pittsburgh, earning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award during his senior year. Pickett was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft before being traded to Cleveland.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2004: Steelers Drafted Roethlisberger

In 2022, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Kenny Pickett in the first round of the NFL draft, the highest they had selected a quarterback since drafting Ben Roethlisberger in 2004.

2017: Freshman Season at Pittsburgh

In 2017, Kenny Pickett spent most of his true freshman season at Pittsburgh as a backup. He started his first career game in the season's final game against the Miami Hurricanes, leading the team to an upset victory.

2018: Named Pittsburgh's Starter

In 2018, Kenny Pickett returned as Pittsburgh's starter, starting all 14 games and leading the team to their first-ever Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division Championship. The Panthers were ranked as high as No. 24 at one point in the 2018 season.

2019: Continued as Starter

In 2019, Kenny Pickett continued as the starter for Pittsburgh, making 12 starts. He led the Panthers to a 7-5 record and a victory in the 2019 Quick Lane Bowl, throwing for 361 yards and three touchdowns.

2021: Pickett Returns as Starting Quarterback

In 2021, Kenny Pickett used his extra year of eligibility to return as the Panthers' starting quarterback.

September 6, 2022: Named Backup Quarterback

On September 6, 2022, Kenny Pickett was named the backup quarterback for the Steelers behind Mitchell Trubisky.

October 4, 2022: Named Starter by Steelers

On October 4, 2022, Kenny Pickett was named the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2022: Finished First Season

In 2022, Kenny Pickett finished his season with the lowest touchdown percentage of all eligible starting quarterbacks in the league. His passer rating improved from 76.7 in 2022, to 81.4.

March 13, 2023: Game Ball Displayed in Hall of Fame

On March 13, 2023, the game ball from the Steelers' victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, with Kenny Pickett as quarterback, was put on display in the Professional Football Hall of Fame.

2023: After the 2023 Season

After the Steelers' signing of Russell Wilson after the 2023 season, Kenny Pickett requested a trade.

March 2024: Trade to Philadelphia Eagles

In March 2024, Kenny Pickett was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles after struggling in Pittsburgh. He served as a backup to Jalen Hurts. Kenny Pickett won Super Bowl LIX with the Eagles.

March 16, 2024: Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles

On March 16, 2024, Kenny Pickett was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles after requesting a trade following the Steelers' signing of Russell Wilson.

March 12, 2025: Traded to Cleveland Browns

On March 12, 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles traded Kenny Pickett to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

2025: Draft Pick

Pickett was traded along with a 2024 fourth-round pick (No. 120; Jaylen Wright) in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick (No. 98; Payton Wilson) and two 2025 seventh-round picks.