One is a legend. Maybe even *the* legend. The other? Just a rookie.
But, on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, the two meet for the first (and possibly last) time as equals.
Tom Brady and his Tampa Bay Bucs come to Pittsburgh this weekend. In his way? The Steelers, now led offensively by rookie Kenny Pickett, who is set to make his first career home start.
Pickett, an older rookie at 24 years old, was a toddler when Tom Brady made his NFL debut in 2000. Pickett was born just over two years earlier.
“As long as I can remember, man,” he responded when asked how long he’s been hearing about Brady. “Growing up, since I first started playing football, I was playing with him in Madden.
“Since I can remember, I've been watching him in the NFL. So, absolute legend of the game. Nothing but respect. Excited for a really good opportunity for us on Sunday.”
That said, Pickett wasn’t exactly a fan of Brady’s.
“I was an Eagles fan,” he said. “So (Donovan) McNabb. That era. I was a huge Eagles fan. I got pictures way back, some good memories with family.”
Brady, of course, beat Philadelphia in Super Bowl XXXIX, handing Pickett — then just six years old — an early loss that he still remembers to this day.
Those days are behind both men. On Sunday, Pickett will go from facing arguably the game's best current quarterback in Josh Allen, to facing the game's best ever quarterback. But Pickett isn't too enthralled with the marquee that reads 'Pickett vs Brady.'
“Yeah, it's another great opportunity, but I'm going against defense,” Pickett said. “Our defense will handle business on that side. I’ve got to worry about our job on the offensive side, we got to put up points against a great defense.”
Pickett’s no stranger to running out of the tunnel in front of fans at Acrisure Stadium. He did it for five years while at Pitt.
This one, however, is going to be different. He’ll be introduced with the starters, and will hear his name called. The crowd will erupt, and the very early era of Kenny Pickett will continue in a celebratory fashion.
“That has not crossed my mind. I’ve got way too many other things. That'll be a great moment, but it's going to be a short lived one for sure.”
After that, it’s Kenny and the GOAT.