Cam
"The Panther"
Pickett

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Cam Pickett's Biography

Kenneth Shane Pickett, also known as Kenny Pickett, was born on June 6, 1998, in the Oakhurst section of Ocean Township, New Jersey. His prowess for football emerged during his time at Ocean Township High School, where he played quarterback for the Spartans football team and cemented himself as one of New Jersey’s top-ranking high school players. His sterling high school career left behind eye-popping statistics that included 43 touchdowns and 4670 yards from passing, and 873 yards with 17 touchdowns from rushing. Despite initially pledging allegiance to Temple University, Pickett ultimately settled on the University of Pittsburgh, a choice that became a stepping stone to a phenomenal college football career.

Pickett’s freshman year at the University of Pittsburgh in 2017 saw him rise in the ranks, transitioning from a backup to Max Browne and Ben DiNucci to starting in the team’s final match of the season. The game is often remembered for the Panthers’ surprising victory over the second-ranked Miami Hurricanes. His overall performance in his first year saw him complete 39 of 66 passes for 509 yards, a touchdown, and one interception.

Maintaining momentum, Pickett returned to the Panthers as a starter in 2018, excelling in all 14 games he started. Making 180 out of 310 passes and bagging 12 touchdowns, he led Pittsburgh to its first Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division Championship, a milestone for the team. At the season’s high, The Associated Press ranked the Panthers 24th nationally. He remained the team’s quarterback in 2019, completing 289 of 469 passes, leading the team to an impressive 7-5 record, and a consequential selection to the 2019 Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit.

Pickett used the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA due to the COVID-19 pandemic to return as Panthers’ starting quarterback. The 2021 season saw Pickett establish himself as one of the nation’s upper-echelon college football players. With 4319 passing yards and 42 touchdowns, he set new school records for single-season yards and touchdowns, also earning accolades as a first-team All-American. Pickett further proved his mettle in his senior year, securing the honorable Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and finishing third in the race for the Heisman Trophy.

While Pickett’s college career attracted attention, it was his first-round, 20th overall selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft that built on that buzz. This was a notable move by the Steelers, as they hadn’t selected a quarterback this early in the draft since their pick of the recently retired Ben Roethlisberger in 2004.

Pickett completed his rookie season with 2404 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns, nine interceptions, and three rushing touchdowns across 13 games. In the aftermath of two consecutive game-winning touchdowns, Pickett added another first to his NFL rookie achievements, becoming the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to throw game-winning touchdown passes in the closing minutes of two successive quarterfinals.

However, the rising quarterback’s tenure at the Steelers ended on March 16, 2024, when he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, in exchange for a third-round pick and two seventh-round picks in 2025. Now a member of the Eagles, Pickett enters the new season as the team’s backup quarterback behind incumbent starter Jalen Hurts.

Pickett’s skills on the football field are indisputable, and his exploits extend beyond the field. The consummate player took on academic challenges and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and enrolled at Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business.

Pickett’s personal life keeps a lower profile compared to his football career. On June 24, 2023, he married Amy Paternoster, marking a significant milestone in his life away from the gridiron. As Pickett continues his journey in the NFL, there is no doubt that his career will be one to watch.