Kenneth Pickett Bio
Kenneth Pickett (born June 6, 1998) is an American professional football quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers, winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in 2021, and was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. Pickett spent two seasons as the Steelers’ primary starter, helping lead the team to a playoff appearance in 2023. Due to inconsistent play, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent one season as a backup and was a member of the team that won Super Bowl LIX. He joined the Raiders in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Kenneth Pickett was born in Ocean Township, New Jersey. He attended Ocean Township High School, where he graduated in 2017. During his high school career, Pickett led the Ocean Township Spartans to a 9–2 record, reaching the New Jersey Central Group III semifinal game as a junior. He passed for 4,670 yards with 43 touchdowns and rushed for 873 yards and 17 touchdowns. Initially committed to play college football at Temple University, he later changed his commitment to the University of Pittsburgh.
Path to American Football
Pickett began his college career at the University of Pittsburgh in 2017, spending most of his true freshman season as a backup. He made his first career start in the final game of the season against the Miami Hurricanes, completing 18-of-29 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown. In 2018, he became the starter, leading the Panthers to their first Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division Championship. Over the next few seasons, he continued to develop, culminating in a standout senior year in 2021 where he set school records for single-season and career yards and touchdowns.
Kenneth Pickett Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Pickett was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round (20th overall) of the 2022 NFL draft, marking the highest selection of a quarterback by the Steelers since Ben Roethlisberger in 2004. He made his NFL debut in Week 4 against the New York Jets, completing 10-of-13 passes for 120 yards and rushing for two touchdowns. In his rookie season, he finished with 2,404 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
Breakthrough (2023)
In his second season, Pickett’s performance improved, leading the Steelers to a playoff appearance. He finished the season with 2,070 passing yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions. His ability to perform under pressure was highlighted by his game-winning touchdowns in crucial moments, making him the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to achieve this feat in consecutive games.
Notable Works and Milestones
Kenneth Pickett’s signature work includes his performance during the 2021 college football season, where he won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and was named a first-team All-American. He also led the Pittsburgh Panthers to an ACC Championship, finishing the season with a remarkable 42 touchdown passes.
Kenneth Pickett Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Kenneth Pickett has received several nominations, including the prestigious Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in 2021 and recognition as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.
Kenneth Pickett Awards Won
Kenneth Pickett has won multiple awards, including the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in 2021 and the ACC Athlete of the Year in 2022. He was also named the ACC Player of the Year and the ACC Offensive Player of the Year in 2021.
Kenneth Pickett Family
Kenneth Pickett is married to Amy Paternoster, a former women’s soccer player at Princeton University. They tied the knot on June 24, 2023. His sister, Alex, played collegiate soccer and has been involved in coaching women’s soccer.
Personal Life
Kenneth Pickett has resided in Cranberry, Pennsylvania, since 2022. Following his trade to the Philadelphia Eagles in early 2024, he sold his home in Cranberry. He maintains a low profile regarding his personal life, focusing primarily on his professional career.
