Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kenny Pickett

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

Kenny Pickett is a professional American football quarterback currently playing for the Cleveland Browns. He gained recognition during his college career at the University of Pittsburgh, where he received the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. 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

2017: High School Graduation

In 2017, Kenny Pickett graduated from Ocean Township High School, where he played football, leading his team to a 9-2 record as a junior and passing for 4,670 yards with 43 touchdowns during his high school career. He initially committed to Temple University but then switched to the University of Pittsburgh.

2017: Freshman Season at Pittsburgh

In 2017, Kenny Pickett spent most of his freshman season as a backup at Pittsburgh. He started his first career game in the season's finale against the Miami Hurricanes, leading the team to an upset victory with 193 passing yards, one touchdown, 60 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns.

2018: Named Starter at Pittsburgh

In 2018, Kenny Pickett became Pittsburgh's starter. He started all 14 games, leading the team to their first-ever Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division Championship and a No. 24 ranking by the Associated Press. Pittsburgh lost to Stanford Cardinal in the Sun Bowl 14-13.

2019: Continued as Pittsburgh Starter

In 2019, Kenny Pickett remained the starting quarterback for Pittsburgh, making 12 starts. He threw for 3,098 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading the Panthers to a 7-5 record. In the 2019 Quick Lane Bowl, the Panthers defeated the Eastern Michigan Eagles 34-30, with Pickett throwing for 361 yards and three touchdowns.

2020: Shortened Season

In 2020, Kenny Pickett and the Panthers played a shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, achieving a 6-5 record. Pickett played in nine games and threw for 2,408 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Panthers opted out of participating in a bowl game.

2021: Pickett Returns as Starting Quarterback

In 2021, Kenny Pickett used the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA 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 Pittsburgh Steelers behind Mitchell Trubisky. Initially third string, a "clerical error" led to him being designated as backup.

October 4, 2022: Named Starter for Steelers

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

March 16, 2024: Traded to Philadelphia Eagles

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

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.