Pitt QB Kenny Pickett is Building Even Deeper Relationship With Steelers

The Pitt Panthers QB and the Pittsburgh Steelers met long ago, but they're growing rapidly during the draft process.

Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett is heading into the 2022 NFL Draft with an already built relationship with Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

Pickett spent five years practicing on the same field as the Steelers. With easy access to the NFL's next generation, head coach Mike Tomlin would hang out on the benches at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. 

After practice, he'd talk to Pickett. 

"He would always come over and hang out with us for a little bit in the summer," Pickett said. "I remember as a freshman, the first time it happened, watching Antonio Brown and Ben [Roethlisberger] out there, and he would come sit down and hangout, and I wouldn't leave the bench until he did."

Pickett is now an option for the Steelers, who pick 20th in the 2022 NFL Draft. A decision his "special relationship" with Tomlin could influence.

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Panthers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage and so much more!