There have by no means been 32 “franchise” quarterbacks within the NFL on the similar time. Ever. And there by no means will likely be. Yearly there’ll at all times be groups perpetually trying to find their man on the all-important quarterback place. So the possibility of getting two on the roster on the similar time, or one after the opposite, is kind of small.
That is simply a part of what makes it so tough to comply with within the footsteps of a legend, as Pittsburgh Steelers QB Kenny Pickett is absolutely conscious. After taking part in in the identical follow facility and stadium for the College of Pittsburgh, he was drafted within the first spherical in 2022, changing Ben Roethlisberger.
And as he found final 12 months, the icon wasn’t fairly able to relinquish his place, though he was retired. Earlier this 12 months, Roethlisberger admitted that he initially wasn’t hoping Pickett would succeed and would primarily take his place and make the followers neglect about him.
“Hear, he is a legend, he is a Corridor of Famer, he is received two Tremendous Bowls. His resume speaks for itself,” Pickett informed Robert Griffin III on The Ones, recalling Roethlisberger’s revelation to him. “He is an unimaginable participant. I am glad he is rooting for me now and rooting for us and pushing in the identical path.”
And he’s, nicely and good. He’s a Steelers fan by and thru and helps Pickett. He would not have a lot of a selection anyway, since his children at the moment are Pickett followers. It was only a means of studying to drop that ego after many years on the helm. And maybe reflecting on the place by which Pickett was positioned subsequent in line by his personal legacy.
“You already know it should be laborious. You are mendacity to your self for those who assume it is not. You are changing a Corridor of Famer, a man who has performed on the highest degree for therefore lengthy,” Pickett acknowledged. “He is the one factor these individuals are recognized for [18] years; I stood subsequent to the door watching 5 of them. You perceive that and you might be sincere with your self, however quickly there are such a lot of issues occurring that you’re simply making an attempt to win.”
By and enormous he has finished that. He now has the Steelers at 6-3, in place to succeed in the postseason and nonetheless very a lot in rivalry for the division title. They decide their very own destiny in that regard. In the event that they received, they’d be no worse than the third seed behind the Chiefs and Jaguars (to whom they misplaced) within the AFC playoffs.
For a corporation that so values the dwelling lineage of its alumni, it is definitely a very good factor that Roethlisberger rapidly found out tips on how to swallow his delight. He and Pickett now appear to have a very good relationship, or no less than a sympathetic one, showing in commercials collectively. However to really dwell as much as that legacy, Pickett must add to the trophy room, plain and easy. Perhaps give Roethlisberger one thing new to be offended about. Three extra Lombardis, who says no?
