A short time ago, we noted the new jersey numbers for the free agents the Pittsburgh Steelers signed this offseason. Now, we know what the team’s first-round pick will sport. Kenny Pickett is sticking with his college number of 8, as tweeted out by the team a short time ago.
Safety Karl Joseph had switched to #8, but now will switch again.
Pickett wore #8 throughout his Panthers’ career. He broke out in 2021, throwing over 40 touchdowns as he led Pitt to their first 11-win season since Dan Marino in 1981. Hopefully Pickett can carry that magic over to the NFL.
It’s possible fans see #8 on the field sooner than later. During last night’s post-pick press conference, Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert confirmed Pickett will be in the mix to start, joining veterans Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph.
Melvin Ingram wore #8 for the Steelers in his brief time last year while kicker Josh Scobee in 2015. Here’s to Pickett having a much better and longer Pittsburgh career than either of them. The last QB to wear #8 was Tommy Maddox from 2001 to 2005. According to the team media guide, those are the only two players to wear #8 since World War II. Pickett will be the third.
