Kenny Pickett experienced a lot of change this offseason, going from starting quarterback in Pittsburgh to a backup in Philadelphia. Moving across Pennsylvania has given the 26-year-old signal-caller perspective.
Speaking at the Champion Mindset Symposium at Shore Regional High School in New Jersey this week, Pickett said the change has been a positive.
"Change is a great thing," Pickett said, via Ben Istvan of The Philadelphia Inquirer. "I'm going through it right now. I was in Pittsburgh for seven years, and now I'm over in Philadelphia. … I think a lot of people probably have some negative views on change, but that's really just your outlook on it. I think if you keep a positive mindset, it'll all work out for the better."
The Steelers drafted Pickett in the first round in 2022 after the QB spent five years at the University of Pittsburgh. However, sticking around the Steel City didn't go as planned. Pickett struggled to develop in Pittsburgh's offense, throwing 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 25 career games.
While he spearheaded several comebacks, those moments were too few and far between for a starting quarterback on a team with Super Bowl aspirations. After an injury took him out of action last season, Pickett didn't get his starting gig back even when he returned healthy, with head coach Mike Tomlin electing to ride with Mason Rudolph for the postseason run.
This offseason, the Steelers added Russell Wilson, a move that Pickett reportedly didn’t react to very well -- the QB previously dismissed those reports -- and he was shipped to Philly. This week, he said he doesn't fret over those who doubt his willingness to compete.
"The world has enough doubters," Pickett said. "There are plenty of people that are doubting. That's probably the majority of people that are out there in the media, fan bases. But ... coaches, family members, if you turn your mind around and try and prove them right and what they believe in you, you'll be in a more positive mindset."
That's pretty much the only mindset Pickett can take as he attempts to rebuild his NFL career. He'll enter training camp set to compete with Tanner McKee, last year's preseason darling in Philadelphia, and Will Grier for the right to back up Jalen Hurts.
