Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kenny Pickett

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 2, 2025

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

Kenneth Shane Pickett is an American football quarterback currently playing for the Las Vegas Raiders. He gained prominence at the University of Pittsburgh, earning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, he served as their primary starter for two seasons, leading them to a playoff berth in 2023. Following inconsistent performance, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, won Super Bowl LIX as a backup, before being traded to the Raiders in 2025.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2004: Steelers Drafted Ben Roethlisberger

The Steelers had not selected a quarterback as high as Kenny Pickett since drafting Ben Roethlisberger in 2004.

2017: First Career Start

In 2017, Kenny Pickett started his first career game for Pittsburgh against the Miami Hurricanes, leading the team to an upset victory.

2018: ACC Coastal Division Championship

In 2018, Kenny Pickett led Pittsburgh to their first ever Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division Championship in his first season as the full-time starter.

2019: Quick Lane Bowl Victory

In 2019, Kenny Pickett led the Panthers to a victory in the Quick Lane Bowl against the Eastern Michigan Eagles.

2021: Returned as Starting Quarterback

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

2022: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers

In 2022, Kenny Pickett was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the NFL draft.

2023: Playoff Appearance with the Steelers

In 2023, Kenny Pickett helped lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to a playoff appearance.

March 16, 2024: Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles

On March 16, 2024, Kenny Pickett was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles along with a 2024 fourth-round pick in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick and two 2025 seventh-round picks.

March 12, 2025: Traded to the Cleveland Browns

On March 12, 2025, the 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.