Kenny Pickett has become one of the NFL’s most talked-about quarterbacks since entering the league in 2022.
Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers as Ben Roethlisberger’s successor, Pickett’s journey from college standout to starting QB has been marked by resilience and standout performances.
Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, he now serves as a backup to Jalen Hurts while eyeing future opportunities.
This article dives into Pickett’s personal life, career milestones, financial standing, and more.
Kenny Pickett’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kenneth Shane Pickett |
| Born | June 6, 1998 (Age 26 in 2025) |
| Birthplace | Ocean Township, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’3” (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 220 lbs (100 kg) |
| College | University of Pittsburgh |
| NFL Draft | 2022, Round 1 (20th overall, Pittsburgh Steelers) |
| Turned Pro | 2022 |
| Net Worth (2025) | $6 million (estimated) |
| Salary (2025) | $2,623,350 (base) |
| Spouse | Amy Paternoster (married June 24, 2023) |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| @kennypickett8 (283k followers) |
Early Career
Kenny Pickett grew up in New Jersey, excelling at Ocean Township High School, where he threw for 4,670 yards and 43 touchdowns. Initially committed to Temple, he switched to Pitt, where he became a record-breaking quarterback.
His college career peaked in 2021: he led Pitt to its first ACC Championship, set school records (12,303 career passing yards, 81 TDs), and finished third in Heisman Trophy voting.
Professional Career
Drafted by the Steelers in 2022, Pickett replaced Mitchell Trubisky mid-season and became the starter. His rookie highlights included two consecutive game-winning TD drives—an NFL first for a rookie.
Despite flashes of brilliance, inconsistency led to Pittsburgh trading him to the Eagles in March 2024. With Philadelphia, he backs up Jalen Hurts but showcased potential in limited 2024 appearances, including a 143-yard, 2-TD game against Dallas.
Wife
Pickett married childhood acquaintance Amy Paternoster in a New Jersey ceremony officiated by Steelers chaplain Ken Chevalier. The couple met at a gym as kids and reconnected during a college break.
Amy, a Princeton economics graduate and former soccer player, works in private equity. They frequently share supportive social media posts but have no children as of 2025.
Kenny Pickett’s Net Worth Details
Kenny Pickett’s net worth is estimated to be $6 million as of 2025, largely fueled by his NFL career earnings and endorsement deals.
Contract and Salary
Kenny Pickett, currently a quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, is playing under his original four-year rookie contract signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on June 23, 2022.
Below are the details of his contract and salary:
- Contract Value: $14,067,905 (fully guaranteed)
- Signing Bonus: $7,411,204
- Average Annual Salary: $3,516,976
- 2025 Salary: Base salary of $2,623,350 with a cap hit and dead cap value of the same amount.
- Contract Duration: 2022–2026 with a fifth-year option available.
- Career Earnings (through 2025): $14,067,904
Pickett was traded to the Eagles in March 2024 but retained the terms of his rookie deal. He will become a free agent in 2027 unless his fifth-year option is exercised.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Steelers | $2.55 million |
| 2023 | Steelers | $3.19 million |
| 2024 | Eagles | $1.98 million |
| 2025 | Eagles | $2.62 million |
| Total | $10.34 million |
Endorsements
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Total (2022–2024) |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 26 |
| Passing Yards | 4,765 |
| Passing TDs | 15 |
| Interceptions | 13 |
| Completion % | 62.6 |
| QB Rating | 78.7 |
| Rushing Yards | 327 |
| Rushing TDs | 5 |
Notable Records
- First rookie QB with back-to-back game-winning TD drives in final minute (2022).
- Led Steelers to 14-10 record as starter.
FAQs
1. Where was Kenny Pickett born and raised?
Kenny Pickett was born on June 6, 1998, in Ocean Township, New Jersey. He attended Ocean Township High School, where he threw for 4,670 yards and 43 touchdowns. His performance earned him recognition as a three-star recruit before committing to the University of Pittsburgh for college.
2. Which college did Kenny Pickett attend?
Pickett played college football at the University of Pittsburgh from 2017 to 2021. He broke school records with 12,303 career passing yards and 81 touchdowns. In 2021, he won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and was a Heisman Trophy finalist, finishing third in voting.
3. When was Kenny Pickett drafted into the NFL?
Pickett was selected 20th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year, $14.1 million rookie contract with a $7.4 million signing bonus. He started 24 games for the Steelers before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2024.
4. Why was Kenny Pickett traded to the Eagles?
The Steelers traded Pickett to the Eagles in 2024 after signing Russell Wilson. Pittsburgh received a 2024 third-round pick and two 2025 seventh-round picks in exchange. Pickett became Jalen Hurts’ backup in Philadelphia and earned a Super Bowl LIX appearance with the team in 2025.
5. What are Kenny Pickett’s career NFL stats?
Through 2024, Pickett has 4,765 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in 30 career games. His rookie season (2022) featured 2,404 yards and seven touchdowns. In 2024 with the Eagles, he threw for 291 yards and two touchdowns in five games, including one start.
6. What injuries has Kenny Pickett faced in the NFL?
Pickett suffered multiple concussions in 2022 and 2023, causing him to miss games during both seasons. Despite these setbacks, he started 24 of 25 games for the Steelers and played a rotational role with the Eagles in 2024 without major health issues.
7. What is Kenny Pickett’s role with the Eagles?
Pickett serves as the backup quarterback to Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia. He appeared in five games during the 2024 season, starting once, and helped the Eagles reach Super Bowl LIX. His primary role involves supporting Hurts and stepping in during strategic situations.
8. What records did Kenny Pickett set as a rookie?
In 2022, Pickett became the first rookie QB in NFL history to throw game-winning touchdowns in the final minute of back-to-back games (Weeks 16 and 17). He finished his rookie year with a 7-5 record as a starter and 2,404 passing yards.
9. How does Kenny Pickett reflect on his Steelers tenure?
Pickett expressed gratitude for his time in Pittsburgh but acknowledged disappointment in how it ended. He stated, “I wish it would have ended differently,” but emphasized excitement about joining the Eagles and competing in Super Bowl LIX.
10. What is Kenny Pickett’s contract status?
Pickett’s rookie contract runs through 2025, with a 2024 cap hit of $1.049 million. His deal includes $14.1 million guaranteed. After the 2025 season, he will become eligible for free agency unless extended by the Eagles or traded to another team.
