Kenny Pickett’s departure from the Steelers ruined even his last homecoming at Pitt

The University of Pittsburgh opened their 2024 college football campaign by defeating the Kent State Golden Flashes 55-24 in front of their home crowd. Among the spectators at Acrisure Stadium (AKA Heinz Field) who witnessed the punishment was Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett.

Prior to joining the Eagles, Pickett played two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and enjoyed a five-year collegiate career with the Panthers, but his experiences with every representative football team from the City of Champions could not have been more different.

Pickett was probably the best signal-caller in Pitt history. Unfortunately, his time with the Steelers pretty much tarnished his reputation, as evidenced by the unfriendly reception he received at the Panthers’ game against Kent State.

The fact that I heard booing when Kenny Pickett was shown on the Jumbotron is disgusting.

You’re not a Pitt fan if you want to boo Kenny. He’s a Pitt legend. He had the best passing season of any Pitt QB ever. To boo him is unforgivable.

— DixonDisciple (@DixonDisciple) August 31, 2024

When Pickett was shown on the jumbotron, he was showered with boos. Apparently his time with the Steelers is still fresh in the memory of everyone in the Burgh.

Despite finishing as the program’s winningest quarterback (32 wins), and leading them in passing yards (12,303) and touchdown passes (81), Pickett’s shine in Pittsburgh has faded. His time with the Steelers was so tough that Panthers fans have dismissed him.

Even after winning ACC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year honors with Pitt in 2021, Pickett’s Steelers woes overshadow his accomplishments. He led the Panthers to a conference title and Peach Bowl appearance that same season. Still, when fans see his face against Kent State, they can’t help but think of his disappointing performance with the city’s NFL team.

Life really does come at you fast, especially in sports. Once the main reason fans “cheered for Pitt,” Pickett is now the butt of the joke. Unfortunately, his unsatisfactory departure from the Steelers has tarnished his public perception.

In 25 games with the Steelers, Pickett completed 62.6 percent of his passes for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Although he was 14-10 as a starter, the team’s offense struggled with him as a center, unable to sustain drives or score points. His positive win-loss record can be seen as a testament to head coach Mike Tomlin and their defensive unit.

Oh, how quickly they forget and how the mighty have fallen.