Kenny Pickett gives the honest truth about what Mike Tomlin is really about

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett knows he has to bring the energy coming into the building with Mike Tomlin as his head coach.

It’s that energy that Tomlin has become synonymous for, and you could argue has contributed to his success since taking over as Steelers head coach in 2007. Show up to the building lacking “juice,” however, and you might see another side of Tomlin, Pickett recently told former NFL defensive end Chris Long on his “Green Light” podcast.

“Show up with some juice,” Pickett said. “Play the game how it’s supposed to be played. If he doesn’t see that, he’ll get on some guys.”

Pickett, Pittsburgh’s first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Pitt, added Tomlin is “all about business” and the best football mind he’s ever been around.

“Business, man,” Pickett said. “When he’s in the building, he’s about business. But when you talk to him one-on-one behind closed doors, he’s down to Earth. He’s honest with you [and] you know where you stand. There’s no one that has any questions about him or his motives [or] what he’s about. He’s about winning and he puts everything into it. His breakdowns of teams. His IQ of the game of defensive and offensive football is the best I’ve ever been around.”

Kenny Pickett addresses questions about hand size prior to NFL Draft

The No. 1 question Pickett was asked ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft wasn’t about throwing mechanics, arm strength or decision-making. Instead, Pickett’s hand size was the biggest worry for most NFL teams who were hesitant to select him.

The Steelers overlooked that minor weakness and it has seemed to work out for both parties ever since.

“If I’m worried about what people say about my hand size, I’m probably in a good spot,” Pickett said. “All they talk about are first-rounds guys. They don’t talk too much about the people who go undrafted’s hand size. Me and my dad always joked about it, saying I’m in a pretty good spot if all they’re talking about are my hands.”

Pickett guided the Steelers to a 7-5 record in 13 starts in 2022. He threw for 2,404 yards with seven touchdowns and nine interceptions on 63.0% passing. Pickett added 237 yards and three scores on the ground.