Inside The Panthers

Eagles-Steelers Features Pitt Reunion for Kenny Pickett, Avontae Maddox

Former Pitt Panthers Kenny Pickett and Avonte Maddox will be reunited on the field this weekend.

Stephen Thompson

Eagles-Steelers Features Pitt Reunion for Kenny Pickett, Avontae Maddox
Eagles-Steelers Features Pitt Reunion for Kenny Pickett, Avontae Maddox /
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PITTSBURGH -- On obvious passing downs, when the Pittsburgh Steelers bring out four receivers against the Philadelphia Eagles, quarterback Kenny Pickett will be staring across the line of scrimmage at a man that he loved playing alongside as a Pitt Panther. 

Pickett didn't overlap for long with Eagles nickel corner Avotne Maddox when the two played at Pitt, but the two still formed a tight bond that hasn't been forgotten. 

Maddox left an impression on Pickett with his tenacity and will to win. In fact, while Pickett made the first start of his collegiate career against No. 2 Miami in 2017, Maddox was suiting up for his last game as a Panther, a process that included strapping on a brace and cast over his right arm. Maddox finished the game with four tackles, two sacks and a game-securing forced fumble. 

"[Maddox is] of my favorite teammates I've had," Pickett said. "I’ve had a lot of great ones but you watch how hard he plays and it translates to the NFL, the passion he plays with. Great guy, unbelievable player. I have so much respect for him and he’s another great weapon in their defense.” 

Pickett said he's already put together a plan to meet up with Maddox after the Steelers and Eagles play. The two old teammates won't let this chance pass without picking up a souvenir from one another.

“Yeah, man we already texted about getting a jersey after the game," Pickett said. 

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Stephen Thompson
STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper.  He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press.  During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general.  You can reach Stephen by email at stephenethompson00@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter. Read his latest work:

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