Kenny Pickett reflects on Manning Passing Academy, how he grew from it

When Kenny Pickett attended the Manning Passing Academy during his college career, he probably expected to see his greatest improvements come from on-the-field work. But it was actually the film room where he gained the most experience.

While the quarterback at Pitt, Pickett attended the prestigious quarterback camp one year. He said it was something his offensive coordinator, Mark Whipple, loved.

“Coach Whip was really happy that I went there,” Pickett said on The Green Light podcast. “It’s just kinda the experience of being with the Mannings, and then being with the other top guys in college at the time. I loved just being able to be on the field with those guys.”

Around some of the top quarterbacks in college football at the time, Pickett said he was always learning from players around him. He also admitted that he tried to pick up tips and tricks while watching his peers.

“I’m always looking to try and steal something from someone,” he said. “Everyone does something really well, whether that be in the pocket or on the move.”

But his greatest takeaway came in the film room. He says he learned how to watch and study film in a more effective and purposeful manner. It was a trick he learned from two of the best ever to play in the NFL.

“I got my film study and preparation from the Manning Camp, actually. From Peyton and Eli. That’s kinda when I started being real regimented with the film, how I study and what I do on each day. And I got with Coach Whip and really refined it to what I like and how the game plan fits.”

Pickett’s time at the Manning Passing Academy undoubtedly paid off. He threw for 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns during his 2021 season at Pitt. He also rushed for an additional five scores, leading the Panthers to an ACC title.

At the end of the year, Pickett was named a Heisman Trophy finalist. He also catapulted up draft boards after the special season and was taken in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Just a few years after attending the Manning Passing Academy, Pickett leads the offense for the Steelers, entering his second year as the starter in Pittsburgh.

Seems pretty safe to say that his attendance at the camp paid off.