Kenny Pickett plans return to Acrisure Stadium as honorary captain for Pitt spring game

Kenny Pickett has been on the move since leading Pitt to an ACC championship in 2021, but he’s getting back to his college roots next month before digging deep into his new duties as a Cleveland Browns quarterback.

Drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 and traded to the Philadelphia Eagles last year and the Browns on March 12, Pickett will join A.J. Woods, a cornerback on Pitt’s title team, as honorary captains for Pitt’s Blue-Gold Spring Game on April 12 at Acrisure Stadium.

Pickett and Woods earned Super Bowl rings this year as members of the Eagles.

“Those guys are family, forever Panthers,” coach Pat Narduzzi said.

Narduzzi welcomes former Pitt players into the practice facility throughout the year. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, defensive end Habakkuk Baldonado and other former players attended Pro Day on Wednesday.

Narduzzi said Kancey has been a frequent fixture in Pitt’s weight room this offseason, interacting with the players.

“He trusts our strength staff. He’s in the weight room lifting early,” the coach said.

Junior defensive tackle Nick James said listening to Kancey’s advice has been helpful.

“He’s done what everybody wants (to do),” he said. “He’s a first-round draft pick. You just listen to everything he says and try to implement that in your game.”