Kenny Pickett's SUV, playbook stolen while Steelers quarterback was doing a radio interview

On3 imageby:On3 Staff Report05/26/23
Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett warms up before a game on Jan. 8, 2023. (Joe Sargent / Getty Images)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett was the victim of an unfortunate theft that could have put his team’s entire playbook in jeopardy, through no fault of his own.

According to a report from SteelersNow, Pickett’s SUV was stolen while he was at a car dealership doing a radio interview with 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday.

A 60-year old man apparently just ditched his own ride and scooped Pickett’s SUV, which had his playbook in it at the time. But the suspect who was arrested in connection with the case left his own vehicle at the dealership, which allowed him to be identified via the license plate.

Security footage also helped ID the man.

Police ended up finding Kenny Pickett’s SUV parked in front of the suspect’s house after they “responded to a domestic incident at that address.”

The vehicle and the playbook were both returned to Pickett following the theft.

Losing the playbook could have been a serious deal for Pittsburgh had it not been recovered in short order. Teams guard their playbooks tightly, knowing any opponent getting hold of them could take full advantage.

As for Kenny Pickett, he was back at the team’s OTAs like normal on Thursday, according to SteelersNow.

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.

Perhaps most importantly, Pickett feels like he’s getting more comfortable with the offense.

“Really mastering the offense and being an extension of the coaching staff,” Kenny 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.”

Pittsburgh finished 9-8 last season, failing to make the playoffs. The Steelers haven’t made it past the Wild Card round of the playoffs since 2017, so there’s work to be done.