Kenny Pickett made his NFL debut for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half of Sunday’s loss to the New York Jets.
The 2022 first-round draft pick out of Pittsburgh may not have won the Steelers, but his two rushing touchdowns put him in an exclusive club that only he occupies.
He became the first quarterback to record multiple rushing touchdowns in the first game of a career. The Jets still managed to escape with a 24-20 victory. Pickett entered the matchup early in the second half in place of Mitchell Trubisky. He threw an interception on the first throw.
“I’m just disappointed,” he said. “I wanted to come in and get the win. It’s a real feeling. We’re disappointed not to get the result we worked so hard for.”
When he entered the game at Accrisure Stadium, the fans ran after him.
“I just play with an edge,” he said. “That’s something I want to bring to the table.” I want to rub it all over. I think we have to have an attitude when we’re on the field.”
Pickett finished 10-13 with 120 passing yards and 15 yards on the ground.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin won’t make a decision on who will start in Week 5. He said Pickett had done “some good things” but lamented the team’s turnover.
