Kenny Pickett Explains Why He Left Steelers

Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback explained why he wanted a fresh start with another team.

PITTSBURGH -- Kenny Pickett's time with the Pittsburgh Steelers came to a sudden and ugly ending last week when the team announced that they had traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles for a set of draft picks amid rumors that he he did not take the addition of Russell Wilson well and requested to be moved. 

Pickett, in his first press conference for the Eagles since being traded, explained why he wanted to leave the Steelers and get a fresh start on the other side of the state. 

“I just thought it was time,” he said via the NBC Sports Philadelphia YouTube channel. “It just felt like it was time from things that transpired. Wanted to get a chance to go somewhere else to grow my career.”

There was clearly some friction between Pickett and Steelers management when he left but he still spoke highly of his former team - particularly his teammates and coaches. 

"I gave everything I had there and loved all of my teammates and the coaches that I came across. Some absolute great memories that I’ll take forever and lifelong friendships,” Pickett said. “Talking to guys after it all went down, grateful that we had the time we had together. Wish everyone over there nothing but the best."

Pickett has been a starter for the vast majority of his short tenure in the NFL but he knows there is an established starter in place for the Eagles. He arrives in Philadelphia hoping to help the team however he can and is staying ready should an opportunity to play arise. 

“I just think it’s a good reset," Pickett said. "I think getting a chance to play on this team, in that quarterback room with a couple of great guys…and just be ready if my number’s called somewhere down the road…it’s a crazy, crazy league. Crazy business. Just trying to put my best foot forward and be an asset for this team.”

Pickett, who grew up an Eagles fan in Ocean Township, New Jersey, located just 77 miles from Philadelphia, is happy to be back close to home and playing for the team he followed as he came of age. He will serve as a backup to Jalen Hurts but Pickett still sees it as an opportunity to reinvent his career on a new team. 

“The place that I grew up. Found a love for the game here with a great coaching staff, great players. I’m looking forward to meet all these guys in a couple weeks when everyone gets back into town,” he said. “But I think it’s an awesome opportunity here to join this team.”

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