Kenny Pickett already has this rare superstition that separates him from most NFL quarterbacks. The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ second-year quarterback prefers to wear not one but two gloves during games.
The wind chill in Steel City has nothing to do with Pickett choosing to cover both hands. So what’s the reason behind this rare tactic?
Glove Approach for Kenny Pickett Began Before Pittsburgh Steelers’ Career
Most NFL passers prefer to go without gloves. Some have used just one glove but for the non-throwing hand.
It’s different for Pickett. And it traces back to before he put on the Steelers uniform.
While a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh, North Carolina was in town for the Atlantic Coast Conference showdown, and it was a cold night.
“I did it once my sophomore year, but really after that North Carolina game you called, I stuck with it after that game,” Pickett explained during a June 2022 interview on The Pat McAfee Show.
“After that game, I kind of stuck with it. Coach (Mark) Whipple was like, ‘You know, it doesn’t have to be cold to rock the gloves.’ So I’ve worn them since then on out. It’s just kind of something that I enjoy, and I just feel more comfortable with it.”
There you have it. Pickett is most comfortable with hand coverage regardless of the elements. By the way, his first two-gloved game resulted in a 34-27 overtime win over the Tar Heels.
Pickett So Far in NFL Career
Pickett has played in 14 total regular-season games. He’s currently 8-6 as a starter. Last year as a rookie, he went 7-5 overall and had the Steelers in the mix for a final playoff spot.
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Pickett’s thrown 2,858 yards, nine touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Through two games this season, Pickett has thrown 454 total passing yards and is 1-1 with the Steelers this season.
He will aim to go 2-0 in his young career versus the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday Night Football. He threw for 244 yards and tossed one touchdown in the 13-10 win over the Silver and Black on Christmas Eve.