Ben Roethlisberger makes declarative announcement on potential Kenny Pickett return vs. Steelers

In a wild turn of events (especially when you think about where he was two years ago) the Pittsburgh Steelers may be welcoming Kenny Pickett and the Cleveland Browns to town in Week 6. Whether he will be a starter or not, the return to the Steel City will be interesting to note, as his tenure with the Steelers was filled with mixed emotion. 

Steelers legend, Ben Roethlisberger, posed the question on his podcast Footbahlin, “If Kenny comes in, does he get booed or cheered? I think cheered.” 

Pickett was drafted 20th overall, and ultimately chosen to be the successor and new franchise quarterback after Roethlisberger retired. Two years later, he will be suiting up for one of the Steelers AFC North rivals. 

While it is entirely possible that Pickett receives cheers due to his collegiate career at Pitt, and the struggles he faced in the league that some say are out of his control, there are many people who think differently. After going 14-10 after 24 starts, Pickett requested a trade out of Pittsburgh, where he landed in cross-state rival Philadelphia. Regardless of the fans’ decision to jeer or to cheer, it will be interesting to see how the hometown crowd treats Pickett in week six. 

In response, Spencer Te'o said, "Steeler's fans are such a passionate fanbase, if they have the opportunity to hate the opposition, they'll do it." For those who are unaware, Pickett was booed by the fanbase multiple times at home by Steeler natives who were restless with multiple three and outs, and the fanbase rarely forgets someone who turns their back and leaves the Steeler family.