History of Kenny Pickett in Timeline

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

1976: Best Record Since 1976

In 2021, Pittsburgh finished 11-2 in games Kenny Pickett started, which was the school's best record since 1976.

June 6, 1998: Kenneth Shane Pickett Born

On June 6, 1998, Kenneth Shane Pickett was born. He later became a professional football quarterback.

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: High School Graduation and College Commitment Change

In 2017, Kenny Pickett graduated from Ocean Township High School. He originally committed to play college football at Temple University but changed his commitment to the University of Pittsburgh in 2017.

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.

2019: Sister Becomes Soccer Coach

In 2019, Kenny Pickett's sister, Alex Pickett, became the coach of Seton Hill University's women's soccer team.

2020: Shortened Season due to COVID-19

In 2020, Kenny Pickett and the Panthers played a shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, going 6-5. The Panthers were ranked as high as No. 21 but opted out of participating in the postseason in 2020.

2020: Extra Year of Eligibility Granted

In 2020, the NCAA granted all fall athletes an extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19, which Kenny Pickett utilized.

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.

December 20, 2022: Franco Harris's Death

Franco Harris, who announced the selection of Kenny Pickett in the NFL draft, passed away unexpectedly on December 20, 2022.

2022: Resided in Cranberry

From 2022 to 2024, Kenny Pickett resided in Cranberry, a suburb of Pittsburgh.

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.

June 24, 2023: Marriage to Amy Paternoster

On June 24, 2023, Kenny Pickett married Amy Paternoster, a former Princeton women's soccer player.

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.

2024: Sold Home

Kenny Pickett sold his home in Cranberry following his trade to the Philadelphia Eagles in early 2024.

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.