Steelers Fans Grapple with Kenny Pickett’s Super Bowl Appearance as an Eagle
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2024 season ended in disappointment, but for their former quarterback Kenny Pickett, the journey continues—albeit with the Philadelphia Eagles. In a twist that’s stinging for Steelers fans, Pickett will suit up for Super Bowl LIX as the Eagles’ backup quarterback behind Jalen Hurts.
Pickett’s Role with the Eagles
Pickett’s contributions to the Eagles’ success this season have been limited, as he primarily served as Hurts’ backup. While he hasn’t played a pivotal role in Philadelphia’s path to the Super Bowl, the optics of the Steelers’ 2022 first-round pick potentially earning a Super Bowl ring just a year after leaving Pittsburgh are hard to ignore.
The Eagles punched their ticket to the big game with a dominant 55-23 win over the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship, giving Pickett the chance to experience football’s biggest stage in his second NFL season.
Steelers’ Super Bowl Drought Continues
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl drought now stretches 15 years, with the team’s last championship win coming in 2008. The Steelers haven’t appeared in the Super Bowl since the 2010 season when they fell to the Green Bay Packers, and they’ve struggled to regain that elite level of success despite Mike Tomlin’s steady leadership.
Although Tomlin has maintained his streak of never having a losing season, Pittsburgh hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2016 campaign. For some fans, the combination of a prolonged Super Bowl absence and Pickett’s presence in this year’s big game has fueled frustration over the team’s stagnation.
The Future for Mike Tomlin and the Steelers
Despite calls from some corners of the fan base to make a coaching change, the Steelers appear committed to sticking with Tomlin for at least one more year. However, patience may be wearing thin. If the 2025 season ends in another underwhelming fashion, serious questions about the future of Tomlin’s tenure in Pittsburgh are likely to arise.
Steelers Fans’ Mixed Emotions
Watching Pickett potentially earn a Super Bowl ring as a member of the Eagles has only amplified the frustrations of Steelers fans. While Pickett’s impact on the Eagles’ run has been minimal, it’s still a stark reminder of what might have been for Pittsburgh as they continue to search for answers at quarterback and beyond.
Ultimately, the Steelers’ inability to reach the NFL’s pinnacle in recent years—and the sight of a former first-round pick on the verge of Super Bowl glory—has left the fan base hungry for meaningful changes that can help bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Pittsburgh.
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