Personal trainer of Steelers’ former QB Kenny Pickett calls post-trade narratives, ‘100% B.S.’

Kenny Pickett's tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers was a mere flash in the pan.

Gone less than two years into the start of his career, Pickett decided it was best for both sides to move on.

But according to his personal QB coach Tony Racioppi, the narratives surrounding why Pickett demanded that request are, '100% B.S.'

Pickett's Trainer Pushes Back

“I would say the majority of those narratives were pushed by people. And they are 100 percent BS," Racioppi told NJ Advance Media. "I would put his leadership ability against anybody out there. I will always believe in that kid. He has it. He has it physically. He has it mentally. He’s tough. He’s smart. There’s this work ethic to him. He has the talent and abilities. He has what you want. So much of that league is (the) right place, right time (and) wrong place, wrong time. There’s so many cases that point to that."

Look, you can say what you want about Pickett the football player. One could argue that playing in what was quite literally the worst statistical offense for a stretch of NFL history under Matt Canada didn't help his development, but if you want him to shoulder the majority of the blame for last year's struggles, be my guest.

What cannot, and should not be disputed, however, is his character. This a young man who at every step of the pre-draft process and during his time in Pittsburgh was noted for his persona, work ethic, and leadership.

So anyone who believes that he demanded a trade because he didn't want to compete, is buying into fallacy. The truth is, Pickett was sold a false bill of goods from the top of the organization.

Instead of being guaranteed a chance to compete, sources with direct contact to the situation emphasized that Coach Tomlin told Pickett you can stay or you can go, but Russell Wilson is our starter.

And if you don't believe that, just look at everything that has happened thus far this offseason. Despite having a more athletic, spry, and 10-year younger QB via Justin Fields on the roster, it's widely accepted that Wilson will be the starter, and the narrative of a QB camp battle is false .

But sure, keep believing that the person who never had one bad thing said about his character before the trade is the one to blame.

Related: National media outlet drops Steelers HC Mike Tomlin in power rankings among returning coaches