During the latest episode of the “New Heights” podcast, the Kelce brothers broke down Kenny Pickett’s ugly breakup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pickett, who once was a fan favorite and beloved in Pittsburgh, was upset by the acquisition of Russell Wilson and requested a trade. The Steelers agreed and shipped the disgruntled Pickett cross-state to Philadelphia.
“He just can’t leave the state of Pennsylvania,” Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce said of Pickett. “The guy just loves Pennsylvania, man.
Travis even channeled one of his girlfriend Taylor Swift’s biggest songs to describe Pickett’s falling out with the Steelers.
“Kenny and the Steelers, their relationship ended in a little ‘bad blood,’” Travis sang in the tone of his girlfriend’s hit song “Bad Blood” from her Grammy-winning 1989 album. “Kenny is saying he preferred to move on.”
Jason Kelce, who just recently retired from the Eagles after a 13-year career as the club’s center, thinks the fresh start in Philadelphia might be what Pickett needs to get his career on track.
“But we’ve seen this before,” Jason said. “Sometimes it’s the fit, the system — whatever it is he gets to have a fresh start now and come over to Philadelphia and obviously he’ll be behind Jalen Hurts and have an opportunity to learn and grow and play with some really good players… Hopefully this is a better fit for Kenny and he can really maximize his potential in Philadelphia now.”
Ultimately, things just didn’t work out for Pickett in Pittsburgh. He’s looking forward to a new chapter now in Philadelphia. He’ll get the chance to play for the franchise that he grew up rooting for in Ocean Township, New Jersey, also.
“I just thought it was time. It just felt like it was time from things that transpired,” Pickett said at his Eagles introductory press conference. “Wanted to get a chance to go somewhere else and continue to grow my career. The fact that it’s in Philly, the place that I found the love for the game. A great coaching staff, great players. Looking forward to meeting these guys in a couple weeks when everyone gets back in town. I think it’s an awesome opportunity to join this team.”