Steelers’ Art Rooney II Reflects On Polarizing Kenny Pickett's First 2 Seasons In Pittsburgh

As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for the 2024 season, anticipation surrounds the performance of their young quarterback Kenny Pickett. Drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft in 2022, Pickett carries the weight of expectations to elevate the team and potentially lead the Steelers back to Super Bowl success. 

Since the days that Ben Roethlisberger roamed the gridiron, the Steelers have struggled to recapture the offensive magic they once possessed. While the defense has remained formidable, the offense has consistently lagged behind, hindering the team's overall performance. This offseason, rumors have surfaced regarding the Steelers' confidence in Pickett. Some speculate whether they will stick with him or explore trading for another quarterback.

Steelers Fans Not Amazed With Kenny Pickett So Far

Despite being in the spotlight, Pickett's performance has been a topic of mixed reviews among Steelers fans. While he has showcased glimpses of talent, he has yet to deliver the standout performances that define a franchise quarterback. Questions linger regarding whether his underwhelming statistics are reflective of his abilities or limitations within the team's system.

In a recent interview with Bob Pompeani, Steelers President Art Rooney II addressed pressing concerns surrounding the team, including the quarterback situation. When questioned about Pickett's progress, Rooney emphasized the importance of the next phase in Pickett's development.

"The first two seasons, what we saw were not bad. I’m not going to say that," Rooney remarked. "I think he showed himself to be a winner. He can bring a team back from behind late in a game."

Rooney's assessment suggests a belief in Pickett's intangible qualities, highlighting his ability to rally the team in critical moments.

"A lot of positives from Kenny in the first two seasons, and we just need to see him take the next step," Rooney continued. "Really for the whole team to take the next step."

Despite acknowledging Pickett's strengths, Rooney underscored the importance of further development, emphasizing the collective improvement of the team. Rooney also made it clear that one aspect of Pickett's game that he loves is his consistency.

Rooney commended Pickett's consistency in leading comebacks, citing it as one of his notable strengths. However, he acknowledged challenges when the team falls behind early in games, hinting at broader issues beyond Pickett's performance alone.

Rooney confessed that this upcoming season is a huge year for Pickett, emphasizing the need for a standout performance to solidify his role as the team's starting quarterback. The Steelers are counting on Pickett to ignite the offense and put points on the board.

Amidst the ebb and flow of his NFL journey, marred by the occasional setback of injuries, the narrative of Pickett's tenure with the Steelers unfolds as a compelling saga of perseverance and resilience. 

As the dawn of the 2024 season sits in waiting, a palpable sense of anticipation permeates the air, casting a spotlight squarely on Pickett as he embarks on a quest to actualize his boundless potential and propel the Steelers to the pinnacles of success.

Undoubtedly, Pickett's path thus far has been characterized by a tapestry of triumphs and tribulations, each chapter contributing to the rich tapestry of his football odyssey. Yet, far from being defined by past adversities, the upcoming season serves as an auspicious juncture, a veritable blank canvas upon which Pickett is poised to etch his indelible imprint and eternally inscribe his name into the annals of Steelers' folklore.

With the unwavering support of the organization, coupled with the unwavering backing of an impassioned fan base, Pickett finds himself standing at the threshold of an epochal moment, primed to author the next exhilarating chapter in the storied history of the Steelers. 

As the gridiron beckons and the echoes of anticipation reverberate throughout the hallowed halls of Acrisure Stadium, Pickett emerges as the protagonist of his own destiny, ready to seize the reins of fate and orchestrate a symphony of triumphs that will resound through the ages. All eyes will be on number eight in 2024.