The Steelers' Kenny Pickett Nearly Lost His Playbook in a Stolen Vehicle Scare
Key Highlights :
Fresh off of his rookie season, Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett is a fairly notable face in and around Pittsburgh. Like many others around the NFL, the rising second-year signal-caller recently finished the first week of organized team activities this week. But beyond participating in Wednesday’s OTAs, Pickett’s day became a bit more intriguing.
While attending an event at a local car dealership near Pittsburgh, Pickett’s 2023 Genesis SUV was stolen. Thankfully, it did not take police a lot of time to find the stolen vehicle. Marcie Cipriani of WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh reported Friday that police arrested 60-year-old Christopher Carter, of Murrysville, Pa., on Wednesday and charged him with theft, receiving stolen property and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, according to court records obtained by WTAE.
Police were able to arrest Carter quickly because he left his personal car at the dealership after stealing Pickett’s, according to WTAE-TV. Police found Pickett’s car near Westmoreland Heritage Trail in Murrysville.
To make the situation even more riveting, Pickett’s playbook was inside of the car when Carter stole the signal-caller’s SUV. That meant the 23-year-old needed not only his car back but also his handbook of instructions to continue his growth as a leader in Pittsburgh next season.
Fortunately, the playbook was recovered and returned to Pickett, along with the vehicle. This was a huge relief for the Steelers, as the playbook holds all the information and plays needed to help Pickett develop and grow as a quarterback.
The incident was a good reminder for Pickett to be more mindful of his belongings. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and take the necessary precautions to ensure your property is safe. This includes locking your vehicle and not leaving valuable items in plain sight.
In his first season, Pickett threw for 2,404 yards, seven touchdowns and nine interceptions. With a better grasp of the playbook—and it now back in his possession—Pickett will seek to increase his production in Year 2, so long as he keeps his guide close by at all times.
The incident with Pickett’s stolen vehicle and playbook was a reminder that no matter how famous or important you are, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take the necessary precautions to ensure your property is safe. It is also a reminder of how quickly the police can act in such cases, as they were able to find the stolen vehicle and return the playbook to Pickett in a matter of days.