Ex-Steelers QB Kenny Pickett Takes Direct Shot At Mike Tomlin And Pittsburgh Culture

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Pickett had high expectations in the Steel City, but sadly, despite some exciting moments, never fully met them. In the 2023 season, Pickett suffered an injury and never regained his starting job as Mason Rudolph found success leading the offense. Reports later surfaced that Pickett was frustrated when the Steelers signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, viewing it as a lack of faith in his abilities. Ultimately, Pickett requested a trade, and the Steelers sent him to the Philadelphia Eagles.

In Philadelphia, Pickett found himself backing up Jalen Hurts but was given opportunities to play when Hurts missed time with a concussion. Pickett’s chance to showcase his talent was cut short, however, as he suffered an injury in Week 17 while filling in. Despite the setback, Pickett's time under center provided glimpses of the potential that once made him a first-round pick. His brief appearances also reignited discussions among Steelers fans about whether Pittsburgh had given up on him too soon.

On Monday, Pickett spoke to the Philadelphia media, and his comments quickly caught the attention of Steeler Nation. Some fans believe he subtly criticized Mike Tomlin and the Steelers organization, hinting at frustrations with how his situation was handled in Pittsburgh. Whether intentional or not, Pickett's remarks have added another layer of intrigue to his ongoing story, and fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on his future in Philadelphia.

"It's very much a college team feel here," Pickett said. "Everyone cares about each other and you know when the ball gets spotted, we are going to leave it all out there. You know we put it all on the line for each other. That is incredibly special. It's not like that everywhere. I am extremely grateful to be here."

Whether Pickett intended his recent comments as a jab at the Steelers remains unclear. While his true intentions are known only to him, it’s easy to infer that Pickett is suggesting his experience as a backup with the Eagles has been more positive than his time in Pittsburgh. 

Having played his college football at the University of Pittsburgh and then starting his NFL career with the Steelers, Pickett is deeply familiar with the city. However, his recent remark comparing the Eagles' atmosphere to that of a college team raised eyebrows, especially since the Steelers are the only other NFL organization he’s been part of.

It’s fair to assume Pickett was subtly hinting at dissatisfaction with his time in Pittsburgh. Despite some memorable moments, including clutch game-winning drives, Pickett often found himself in challenging circumstances. He operated under an underwhelming offensive system led by former Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada, which was widely criticized for its lack of creativity and effectiveness.

Steelers Fans Wish Nothing But The Best For Kenny Pickett

The question of whether Pickett's struggles in Pittsburgh were primarily due to his own shortcomings or the organization’s failures remains up for debate. While some believe he simply wasn’t the long-term answer at quarterback, others argue he was never put in a position to truly succeed. Either way, Pickett’s recent comments have reignited discussions about his time with the Steelers and how both he and the team could have handled things differently.

Pickett has had some solid moments with the Eagles, but so far, it doesn’t seem like the Steelers made a mistake by moving on from him. Pickett appears content in Philadelphia, embracing his role as Hurts' backup and enjoying the team’s atmosphere. It’s clear he doesn’t seem to miss Pittsburgh, and that’s perfectly fine—many Steelers fans still wish him nothing but success in his new chapter.

That said, his recent comments are sure to spark curiosity and conversation in the Steel City. Whether intentional or not, they add an extra layer of intrigue to his departure and the circumstances surrounding it.

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