A Grateful Outlook on Philadelphia
Kenny Pickett spent the past year in Philadelphia, where he experienced a remarkable journey as the backup to Jalen Hurts, ultimately earning a Super Bowl ring. As he embarks on a new challenge in Cleveland, competing for the starting quarterback position, Pickett feels his time in Philadelphia has prepared him for the opportunity.
“I’m extremely grateful for my time in Philly,” Pickett said via the team’s official transcript. “I think I was just shown how it’s supposed to be done, really, from the top down. So when you get a chance to see what it’s supposed to look like and how it should look on a day-to-day basis, not just on Sundays. You know, I think it’ll pay dividends for me in the future.”
Interpreting Pickett’s Comments
While Pickett did not mention Pittsburgh specifically, some might interpret his comments as a slight to Mike Tomlin’s leadership, although that was not his intention. In reality, it’s common for young quarterbacks to need a step back in their career to reassess and learn how to approach the game differently.
Pickett was drafted early in a relatively weak quarterback class and was thrust into a difficult situation in Pittsburgh, where the offense struggled. His experience in Philadelphia might instead be seen as a tribute to Jalen Hurts, who is known for being a coach’s son and an exemplary leader.
A Friendly QB Competition in Cleveland
Pickett now turns his attention to a quarterback competition in Cleveland, where he faces Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders. While the competition is still in its early stages during OTAs, Pickett emphasized that there’s no hostility among the quarterbacks.
“I think it’s the outside world makes it up a lot bigger than it is,” he said. “When you’re day to day and you’re in meetings with these guys, you’re out of practice, you spend so much time together. Of course we’re all competing, but you become friends with everybody.”
“You know, we’re helping each other. There’s open dialogue in the quarterback room to help each other grow. So I think it’s a great media headline, but when you get in the building, in a quarterback room, and at least all the ones that I’ve been in, you really become friends with these guys and we’re just pushing each other.”
Pickett’s Mindset Moving Forward
Despite Joe Flacco’s experience in Kevin Stefanski’s system, which could give him an advantage, the competition remains open. Pickett, however, is determined to approach the situation with the same mindset he’s always had throughout his career.
“I just always approached every day as if I’m the starter no matter where I was on the depth chart,” he said. “So even when I was in Philly, I would prepare as if I was a starter because, you never know when that opportunity was going to be to go play. And, you know, you want to be as prepared as you can be.”
“So I’m kind of having the same mindset that I’ve always had since college of coming in, preparing like I’m the guy. So, you know, whatever happens, it’s just another day because I always have that same mindset.”
