Kenny Pickett opens up on transitioning from college to the NFL within Pittsburgh

After emerging from Pittsburgh, the transition to being an NFL quarterback was a little easier for Kenny Pickett than most. He took his ball right up the road, drafted by the Steelers.

The talented now second-year quarterback admitted his transition was easier knowing what he was getting himself into.

“I think having a chance to see it next door and be there for, be in the city for five years and kind of see how people love the Steelers, like it’s definitely a different level,” Pickett said on Green Light with Chris Long. “It’s noticeably different on gameday, noticeably different being the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. So incredibly grateful to be here, especially after witnessing it for the last five years.”

Pickett had a bit of an up-and-down rookie season with the Steelers after he was a first-round NFL Draft pick in 2022.

He failed to have a single game with multiple touchdown passes during his rookie season, but on the flip side, he led four game-winning drives and three fourth-quarter comebacks. The Steelers are hoping the latter is indicative of a quarterback starting to find his footing.

If Pickett can continue to build on that, he’ll have the chance to have a special sophomore season.

“Really mastering the offense and being an extension of the coaching staff,” Pickett said. “I can echo things and say how I want it and how I like it. The communication from player to coach has been great. We’re kind of spreading it out to the receiving room, the tight ends. Everyone is on the same page. I think communication is No. 1 in my position and letting everyone know where they need to be. These guys are all professionals, and they show up and work hard.”

As far as the atmosphere, Pickett still can’t get over how lively things are in Pittsburgh.

Steelers fans are some of the most dedicated out there, to the point that the energy and enthusiasm is something Pickett has actively had to manage.

“I try to stay mellow as I can on gameday, which is hard,” Pickett said. “But from my position over the years I’ve found I play my best when I’m just kind of like flat line. I’m almost out there, I’m real focused on my job and what I have to do and analyzing what needs to be done to help us win.”

That’s not to say the Pittsburgh crowd doesn’t get him going, though.

“I think the moment that always gets me is the intros, the call-outs,” Pickett said. “When you get that there’s nothing I can say — I’m sure you feel the same way — that’s a different level, so it’s special.”