Steelers Pickett, Pickens, Austin to Attend NFL Rookie Premiere

Steelers rookies Kenny Pickett, George Pickens and Calvin Austin III will participate in the NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles this Thursday through Saturday.

The three Steelers will be among 42 NFL rookies invited to participate in the event, which includes the official unveiling of their first NFL jerseys, trading card photo shoots, and other sponsor-driven events.

“We’re excited to be back in person for the NFLPA Rookie Premiere. The event is a vital component for us and the trading card community as whole, as it gives us the ability to capture the top rookies in their uniforms for the first time for their Panini Rookie trading cards in and as they sign their autograph trading cards.” said Panini America vice president Jason Howarth. “Following the Draft, we submit our list of who we view as the 40+ most collectable players to participate in the Rookie Photo Shoot and it sets the stage for our NFL/NFLPA trading card products for the year.”

The event has been held virtually the last two seasons because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but returns to in-person participation this season.

“NFLPA Rookie Premiere is an opportunity for partners to engage with tomorrow’s most influential athletes, and we are thrilled to be back in person to help facilitate those introductions and experiences,” said NFL Players Inc. president Steve Scebelo.

Panini has already released one NFL trading card for Pickett, the Steelers’ first-round draft pick, but that draft-day release has Pickett in his Pitt uniform. The photos taken this week will lead to his first trading card in Steelers black and gold.

The players will also go through a rookie orientation on the NFLPA programs and services and hear from past players that have navigated the landscape of becoming a professional football player.

“NFLPA Rookie Premiere is an opportunity for partners to engage with tomorrow’s most influential athletes, and we are thrilled to be back in person to help facilitate those introductions and experiences,” said NFL Players Inc. president Steve Scebelo.