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Pitt QB Kenny Pickett makes decision Peach Bowl

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Two of the best players in college football will not be participating in the Peach Bowl.

First, it was Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III who announced he will not participate in the Dec. 30 game, opting out on Thursday. Now, Pitt quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Kenny Pickett is making the same decision.

On Thursday night, Pickett released a statement on Twitter saying he will forgo the Peach Bowl and will focus on the 2022 NFL Draft. That means two of the premier players in the sport in 2021 have played their final collegiate game.

“To the University of Pittsburgh, thank you for all that you have given me over the past five years,” Pickett wrote. “Coach Narduzzi, thank you for being by my side throughout my entire career and teaching me life lessons every step of the way. One of the best moments of my football career was standing on stage with you, the team, and our ACC Championship Trophy. I will never forget our victory and everything it took to get us there.

“Coach Whipple, I’m so proud to have learned from you. Together, we accomplished all of our goals and I wish you nothing but the best in the future. To my teammates, the memories we have made will last a lifetime. I am thankful for all the friendships I’ve made and I look forward to keeping these bonds as we move on to the next chapter of our lives. To the fans, thank you for all your support throughout my career. I am incredibly proud to say I was a part of the team that brough back another trophy to the City of Champions.

“With love and gratitude, I have decided to forgo the Peach Bowl and begin training for the 2022 NFL Draft. Thank you, Pittsburgh!”

Pickett threw for 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns while completing 67.2% of his passes during an 11-2 campaign for Pitt. He also rushed for 241 yards and 5 touchdowns in leading Pitt to an ACC title.

For his efforts in 2021, Pickett was a Heisman Trophy finalist.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB